In essence, everything we experience in life – sights, sounds and words, tastes, fragrances, bodily touch, and thoughts - is experienced at the level of bodily sensations. The meditator experiences the impermanent nature of these sensations. Thereby one experiences, at the deepest level, the truth that everything in life is impermanent and constantly changing.
Blind reaction to sensations generates saṅkhāras, multiplies impurities. This is the chain reaction of suffering. Now with the Vipassana training of equanimity to sensations, we change the habit pattern of blind reaction to sensations. No more new saṅkhāras, no more suffering...
If we cultivate the habit of regarding each sensation or thought as impermanent, and if the habit gets stronger by practising Vipassana, we can eradicate every defilement and not allow it to multiply or start a chain reaction. With no new defilements, or saṅkhāras, the old ones get eradicated – just as fire gradually dies out when no more fuel is added. The process of multiplication of impurities is ended.
This is the power of Vipassana; it cuts the root of misery and completely uproots it. That is why it is the royal road to liberation, to attainment of nirvāṇa. With this experiential faith we have to walk on this path step by step. Each step that we take on this road will inspire us to take the next step. Thus Mara’s hold on us will slacken, will become less and less and we are sure to reach the goal.
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