Mindfulness & Insight Meditation: The Mahāsi Method

Registration for this retreat is closed

Closed
Registration is closed for this retreat.
February 25 - February 28, 2021 (Thursday to Sunday)


Both Webinar and Meeting Format (Some program sessions allow you to see and hear only the teacher, while other program sessions will allow you to see and hear the teacher as well as other program participants).

Participants in this at-home retreat will be guided in the unique method of insight meditation (vipassana) developed by renowned Buddhist monastic scholar and meditation master Mahāsi Sayadaw, and described in hisManual of Insight. The course will be tailored for beginners as well as more experienced meditators. Instruction will be offered over several daily sessions and there will be opportunities to ask questions clarifying the teachings.

People of all walks of life are warmly welcome!

Mahāsi Sayadaw’s method includes the use of a primary object and mental noting to help steady attention during each day’s periods of formal sitting, walking and standing meditation. During other activities throughout the day such as eating, bathing, resting, and household chores, 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 all of life and gives rise to the insight and wisdom that lead to liberation.

This form of meditation training has been foundational for many IMS teachers, including Kamala Masters and Steve Armstrong and Mark Nunberg, the teachers of this retreat. It has also been taught by other revered insight meditation masters, such as the late Sayadaw U Pandita, Anagarika Munindra and Dipa Ma.

Fees
For this course, sliding scale fees are $160, $260, or $400. We also offer a scholarship fee of $80, and no-fee enrollment for those who request a fee-waiver. Our “Pay What You Can Afford" system supports the cultivation of a dynamic and inclusive community and contributes to the health and vibrancy of the sangha. Emailimsonline@dharma.orgfor more information or to request a scholarship or no-fee enrollment.

A note on dana (generosity)
Most IMS teachers—like insight teachers around the world—rely on the generosity of students for their livelihood, and receive no compensation from course fees. All IMS online teachers receive a modest dana advance from IMS to guarantee a minimum level of financial support. (Click here to learn more about the dana practice.) There will be an opportunity to offer a contribution to your teachers at the end of this course.

Daily Schedule - all times listed in Eastern Standard Time EST:
Note: all sessions will be recorded and posted so you can view it later if you missed one. A morning group chanting and guided meditation session will be offered via Zoom in addition to the posted schedule.

Thursday, February 25
12 noon - 1:30 pm - Opening Session - Kamala & Steve & Mark
  Introduction of each one of us
  Mahasi Sayadaw and the Retreat
  Refuges & Precepts
  Short Intro to Sitting
3 pm - 4 pm - Dharma Talk "Mahasi’s Preparation for Practice" - Steve
5 pm - 6 pm - Guided Meditation, Dharmette: “Talk on Understanding the Instructions” - Kamala
8 pm - 9 pm - Instructions, Meditation - Mark

Friday, February 26
12 noon - 1 pm - Meditation with Instructions - Steve
3 pm - 4 pm - Dharma Talk: “Mindfulness” - Mark
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Q&A - Kamala, Steve, Mark
8 pm - 9 pm - Instructions, Meditation, Reflections - Kamala

Saturday, February 27
12 noon - 1 pm - Meditation with Instructions - Kamala
3 pm - 4 pm - Dharma Talk: “Four Noble Truths” - Steve
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Q&A - Kamala, Steve, Mark
8 pm - 9 pm - Instructions, Meditation, Reflections - Mark

Sunday, February 28
12 noon - 1 pm - Meditation with Instructions - Mark
3 pm - 4 pm - Dharma Talk: “Faith in Our Potential for Liberation” - Kamala
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Q&A - Kamala, Steve, Mark
8 pm - 9 pm - Closing Session - Kamala & Steve & Mark

Information you might find helpful:

Guidelines For Your Home Retreat
IMS Online Program Etiquette
IMS Online FAQ’s

Teachers