This also ties in with the concept of habits. Man is nothing but a creature of habit. If he continues being this way he is simply a puppet of circumstances. Certain circumstances call forth different attitudes, thoughts and moods. Thus a rainy day can invoke depression and dread while a sunny day brings forth exuberance and hope.
Even on our thoughts and feelings which we believe to be most intimately ours we have little control. While outwardly this may seem like an incredible statement, the practice of Vipsaana makes this fact abundantly clear.
What is the goal of all this continuous observation? As as with all pursuits in life the practitioner strives for happiness. However the ambitions are far more grandiose, the aim is nothing than the ultimate eradication of unhappiness, by extinguishing all negative states of mind. To gain a permanent bliss is the goal of Buddhism.
There is yet another purpose to this practice. With the aid of observation one gains knowledge about oneself. It is said that the knowledge of the self is the greatest knowledge, there is, for everything is in relation to the self.