Registration for this retreat is closed
On Demand: Practice with IMS teachers on your schedule, at your own pace!
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 his Manual 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, 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.
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.
Cost is sliding-scale: $110, $180, or $300, your choice. Registration fees support the Insight Meditation Society’s work online and at our physical retreat centers in Barre, MA.
Daily Schedule- all times listed in Eastern Daylight Time EDT:
Note: all sessions will be recorded and posted so you can view it later if you missed one.
Friday, August 7
12 noon - 1:30 pm - Introduction, Dharma Talk, short stretch, Guided Meditation - Kamala & Steve
3 pm - 4 pm - Dharma Talk - Kamala or Steve
5 pm - 6 pm - Guided Meditation, Talk on Understanding the Instructions - Kamala & Steve
8 pm - 9 pm - Instructions, Meditation, Reflections - Kamala & Steve
Saturday, August 8
12 noon - 1 pm - Meditation with Instructions - Kamala & Steve
3 pm - 4 pm - Dharma Talk - Kamala or Steve
5 pm - 6 pm - Q&A - Kamala & Steve
8 pm - 9 pm - Instructions, Meditation, Reflections - Kamala & Steve
Sunday, August 9
12 noon - 1 pm - Meditation with Instructions - Kamala & Steve
3 pm - 4 pm - Dharma Talk - Kamala or Steve
5 pm - 6 pm - Q&A - Kamala & Steve
8 pm - 9 pm - Instructions, Meditation, Reflections - Kamala & Steve
