Style of Practice

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Style of Practice

Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation

The retreat will be taught in the Theravada Buddhist tradition of Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation using the Mahasi Sayadaw method. This practice emphasises a continuity of mental alertness through noting of mental and physical objects as they arise moment to moment. This includes all daily activities as well as 12 to 14 hours of alternating sitting and walking meditation according to schedule.

In this method, yogis are expected to practice continuous mindfulness throughout the day. In other words, the practice consists of meticulously noting seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching and thinking continuously all day long as they occur.

Instruction and guidance for all students will include discourses every day and individual meetings with the teachers three or more times per week.

8 Precepts

All participants in these retreats will be expected to observe
the traditional Eight precepts. They are as follows:

To refrain from killing any living beings

To refrain from taking what is not offered (stealing)

To refrain from all sexual activity

To refrain from false speech (harsh word, lieing, gossip)

To refrain from drinks and drugs which befuddle the mind and reduce mindfulness

To refrain from taking food at improper times (after 12 noon)

To refrain from dancing, singing, music shows; from the use of garlands, perfumes, cosmetics, adornments, and ornaments

To refrain from using high and luxurious seats (or) beds

Acceptance of the Teacher and the Technique

The retreat requires that meditators practice with high levels of effort, attention and commitment. The teachers ask that yogis who attend these retreats come with a willingness to fully trust the Sayadaw’s and the Mahasi method for the time period they are practicing at this centre. This is to be conducted with erudition, disrcrimination, analysis and insight rather than blind belief. Only with the right attitude and trust can students work diligently and thoroughly allowing the method to work as directed by the teacher. Such confidence in the teacher and the technique is paramount for success in meditation.