Mahasi retreats

Mahasi Sayadaw

Mahasi Sayadaw (1904-1982) played a central role in Burma’s Buddhist revival as the country regained its independence. He was part of a powerful movement that made meditation a central part of religious practice. On the basis of a thorough knowledge of the scriptures, he developed a method for directly observing the reality of the body and mind (vipassana), without necessarily first going through meditative absorptions (jhāna). It is therefore particularly suitable for lay people who cannot devote as much time to the practice as monks, and who do not have the same knowledge of the scriptures. (More information on Mahasi Sayadaw here)

The retreat

In accordance with the tradition, the yogis take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha; they undertake the 9 moral precepts, which include abstaining from taking solid food after midday. The retreat is silent.

Program
04:00 – wake-up/walking meditation
05:00 – 06:00 sitting meditation and morning chants
06:00 – 07:00 breakfast
07:00 – 08:00 meditation in action
08:00 – 09:00 sitting meditation
09:00 – 10:00 walking meditation
10:00 – 11:00 sitting meditation
11:00 – 12:00 lunch
12:00 – 12:30 rest and personal practice
12:30 – 13:00 walking meditation
13:00 – 14:00 sitting meditation
14:00 – 15:00 walking meditation
15:00 – 16:00 sitting meditation
16:00 – 17:00 drinks and walking meditation
17:00 – 18:15 Dhamma talk and evening chants
18:15 – 19:00 walking meditation
19:00 – 20:00 sitting meditation
20:00 – 21:00 walking meditation
21:00 – 22:00 sitting meditation

Yogis are invited to follow the program as much as possible.

Language? The Dhamma talks and interviews are in English, with an optional French translation.