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)
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.
| 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.