From the beginning meditators are encouraged to become self-dependent in their practice. It is emphasized that whilst enlightened devotion to gods or saintly persons is helpful on the path if one tries to develop these same good qualities in oneself, liberation from mental impurity is the individual's responsibility. One has to work out one's own salvation and not look to external agencies to act on one's behalf. Any average person can learn, practice and benefit from Vipassana. But one has to work intelligently, ensuring that awareness and equanimity develop in equal measure.
Most people have some appreciation of their own strengths and weaknesses.
But this knowledge alone can lead to frustration, apathy or even despair. Vipassana provides hope, strength and a practical tool for the realization of every individual. With practice, this process of observation of breath and body sensations produces wonderful results in everyday life. The Vipassana meditator soon learns that it is the enemy within oneself that requires maximum vigilance. And this same technique helps us to develop our own internal early warning system, to counter the old habit of blind reaction.