Mahāsi Sayadaw was a renowned Buddhist monastic scholar and meditation master who lived and taught in Burma during the mid-20th century. Retreatants will be guided in the method of insight meditation (vipassana) developed by him, and described in his Manual of Insight.
This method was also offered by other revered insight meditation masters, such as the late Sayadaw U Pandita, Anagarika Munindra, and Dipa Ma. This form of meditation training has been foundational for many IMS teachers, including everyone leading this retreat.
Mahāsi Sayadaw's method includes the use of a primary object and mental noting to help focus our attention throughout each day's periods of formal sitting and walking meditation. During other activities, such as meals, resting, and in our work-as-practice period, 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 life, and gives rise to the insight and wisdom that lead to liberation. | 
