Registration for this retreat is closed
Meeting format (During program sessions, you will be able to see and hear the teacher, as well as other program participants, and they will be able to see and hear you.)
Participants in this at-home retreat will be offered the unique form of guidance of insight meditation (vipassana) developed by renowned Buddhist monastic scholar and meditation master the late Mahāsi Sayadaw of Myanmar, and described in his Manual of Insight.
The course will be tailored for beginners as well as more experienced meditators. Instruction will be given in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the practices laid out by the Buddha that can purify heart and mind, and lead to liberation. The teachers will offer sitting and walking practices, talks, and guided lovingkindness meditations. There will also be opportunities to ask questions clarifying the teachings.
Mahāsi Sayadaw’s guidance 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 Steve, Kamala, Deborah and Tara, the teachers of this retreat. It has also been taught by other revered insight meditation teachers, such as the late Sayadaw U Pandita, Anagarika Munindra, Dipa Ma, Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg. We are honored to be able to preserve and offer this form of guidance from those teachers who have guided us in our own Dhamma practice.
People of all walks of life are warmly welcomed!
Registration for this program closes 30 minutes prior to the opening session.
Fees
For this program, sliding scale fees are $160, $200, $260, or $400. Please select the highest rate you can reasonably afford. 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. Select the rate of your choice when you register. Email imsonline@dharma.org for more information or to request a no-fee enrollment.
Teacher Support
Most IMS teachers—like insight teachers around the world—offer their teachings freely, and rely on the generosity of students for their livelihood. Teachers do not generally receive compensation from IMS program fees, though IMS may offer a modest advance to ensure financial support and the continuation of the teachings. Click here to learn more about teacher support. There will be an opportunity to offer a contribution to your teachers at the end of your program, or you may donate now.
Daily Schedule -all times listed in Eastern Time ET:
Note: all sessions will be recorded and posted so you can view it later if you missed one
Thursday, August 5
5 - 6:30 pm - Opening Session
Friday, August 6 - Monday, August 9
9 - 10 am - optional sitting
10 - 11 am - optional walking
11 - 12 noon - break
12 - 1 pm - Sitting Meditation with Instructions for both, walking and sitting
1 - 2 pm - walking meditation
2 - 3 pm - Dharma Talk
3 - 4 pm - break or walking
4 - 5 pm - Q&A
5 - 6 pm - break
6 - 7 pm - Sitting meditation with Instructions
7 - 8 pm - break or walking meditation
8 - 9 pm - Metta Meditation and Chanting
Information you might find helpful:
Guidelines For Your Home Retreat
IMS Online Program Etiquette
IMS Online FAQ’s
