The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
Retreat Dharma Talks at Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center

Mindfulness and Insight Meditation: The Mahāsi Method

Mahāsi Sayadaw was a renowned Buddhist monastic scholar and meditation master who lived and taught in Burma during the mid-20th century. Retreatants will be guided in the method of insight meditation (vipassana) developed by him, and described in his Manual of Insight.

This method was also offered by other revered insight meditation masters, such as the late Sayadaw U Pandita, Anagarika Munindra, and Dipa Ma. This form of meditation training has been foundational for many IMS teachers, including everyone leading this retreat.

Mahāsi Sayadaw's method includes the use of a primary object and mental noting to help focus our attention throughout each day's periods of formal sitting and walking meditation. During other activities, such as meals, resting, and in our work-as-practice period, we will learn to sustain a relaxed continuity of mindfulness. This gentle yet persevering effort produces an ever-deepening understanding of the universal nature of life, and gives rise to the insight and wisdom that lead to liberation.

2024-08-06 (8 days) Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center

  
2024-08-07 Introduction to the Mahasi method 57:10
Deborah Ratner Helzer
Some history and key features of Mahasi style practice: working with primary objects, noting, momentary concentration, and balanced effort
2024-08-08 Beginning lovingkindness practice 58:09
Deborah Ratner Helzer
Connecting with a sense of caring for oneself and a benefactor figure
2024-08-09 Morning Instructions – thinking 59:33
Deborah Ratner Helzer
Some suggestions for noting and noticing thoughts
2024-08-09 Walking the Path 50:19
Greg Scharf
Using the teachings of the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eight-fold Path as a framework for understanding the unfolding of practice.
2024-08-09 How Metta supports Insight practice 60:24
Mark Nunberg
2024-08-10 Morning instructions on practicing with vedana 65:30
Tara Mulay
2024-08-10 Relative and absolute 54:35
Deborah Ratner Helzer
What are these two layers of reality and how do we relate to them in life and meditation?
2024-08-11 Morning practice instruction: mindfulness of intention 65:30
Mark Nunberg
2024-08-12 Following the predominant object 60:57
Deborah Ratner Helzer
Instructions for "choice awareness" from the Mahasi perspective
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