Concentration meditation and insight meditation are two key practices in exploring and mastering the inner world. Whether you are a beginner or a longtime practitioner, correctly understanding the nature, role, and practice of these two forms of meditation helps you go further and deeper on the journey of transformation.
There are hundreds of different meditation methods, from Vipassana, Transcendental Meditation, to Heartfulness, Awakening Meditation, each practice follows its own direction. However, broadly and simply, they can be divided into two main branches: concentration meditation and contemplative meditation (also called insight meditation). Each type of meditation suits a different stage in practice and mental transformation.
What is meditation?
Meditation, also called “calm-abiding meditation” or “mental concentration meditation,” is a method of gathering the mind at one point to create stillness and concentration. Like a stirred glass of water, our minds are constantly disturbed by wandering thoughts, emotions, and worries. Meditation is a way to pause and settle the mind, allowing the “clean water” to rise and “sediment” (a metaphor for karma and negative memories) to settle.
For example, in Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing), practitioners focus entirely on the breath through the nose, creating a stable anchor for the mind. This makes the mind still and less agitated. Meditation does not directly address the mind's “sediment,” but lays the groundwork — stillness — for a deeper cleansing journey.
What, then, is insight meditation?
Insight meditation, also called “insight meditation” or “mindfulness meditation,” is the next stage once the mind has sufficient concentration. At this point, practitioners begin observing and recognizing what happens in body, mind, and surroundings without reacting. As a result, layers of memories, karma, habits, and suppressed emotions are brought to light and gradually transformed.
This is the profound difference between concentration meditation and insight meditation. If meditation is like setting down a glass of water to let it clear, then insight meditation is the process of filtering and cleaning the sediment, making the water completely pure.
Concentration and insight meditation: An essential combination
Many well-known meditation methods combine concentration and insight. Vipassana is a typical example — beginning with concentration to gather the mind, then contemplation to observe and transform.
Some meditation methods such as Heartfulness or Vietnamese Master Meditation also contains both elements, though leaning more toward concentration. Meanwhile, Awakening Meditation is a modern and highly progressive meditation method that not only combines concentration meditation and insight meditation but also takes practitioners further — toward active wisdom.
Awakening Meditation – The next step after concentration and insight meditation
In Awakening Meditation, the first two steps are meditation, helping gather the mind in preparation for the next deep journey. The following four steps belong to insight meditation, but not merely passive insight—observing whatever comes—but active wisdom. This means meditators actively access inner unconscious wisdom to receive lessons and messages from the universe.
This is the distinctive difference of Awakening Meditation compared with traditional meditation methods. Practitioners no longer simply “close their eyes and wait for karma to surface,” but can choose the topic or area they want to understand to receive specific lessons for their work, relationships, or purpose in life.
You can begin your awakening meditation journey by:
- Read books Anyone Can Meditate and The Awakening Journey.
- Join free Awakening Meditation Life Purpose course on the official website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nHR5Aea2NY&list=PLw9hqRNXLIGXhL6IRRz8M4V3m5jXivNWc&index=1&t=2s
- Follow the teacher on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok for daily teachings and guided meditations: https://www.facebook.com/groups/562094351339432
How to choose between concentration and insight meditation
If you are new, or feel your mind is too unsettled, begin with meditation. It is like needing to steady the surface of a lake before you can see the bottom.
When the mind is sufficiently concentrated, you will naturally shift to insight meditation – there is no need to force it; this process unfolds very naturally. Let your mind guide you. With time and perseverance, you will understand that both concentration meditation and insight meditation are not separate, but two parts of a profound transformation process.
Essential books for meditation learners – Works by Teacher Tạ Minh Tuấn
To build a solid foundation on your meditation practice journey, Teacher Tạ Minh Tuấn has written special books specifically for meditators:
📙 Anyone Can Meditate This book brings together everything you need to know about learning and practicing meditation. With simple language and short, readable articles, it is the result of many years of practice and firsthand experience of its effectiveness. Anyone can access and begin their meditation journey through these approachable pages.
📗 The Journey of Awakening This is a guiding map for anyone with many doubts about humanity, death, life, and the awakening journey. The book accompanies you on the path to true happiness and discovering the best version of your own being.
🌞 Order books at: https://books.inti.foundation/
Conclusion: Meditation is life, not just a technique
The meditation journey is not about chasing famous methods or expensive courses. What matters most is understanding where you are, which method suits you, and practicing steadily with a clear heart.
Concentration meditation and insight meditation not just a technique, but a way of living mindfully — connected with yourself, the universe, and inner wisdom. Start today, gently and slowly. You do not need to “get it right” — just be honest with yourself.
One day, you will realize that every moment of everyday life is a meditation session — if we live with awareness, loving and sincere.