Introducing Mahasi Method

[tiltbillings]

Listening to this is a well spent hour, putting the vipassana practice into its context.

http://www.buddhistelibrary.org/en/disp ... p?pid=1556

[Sanghamitta]

Seconded.

[farmer]

Thanks for posting this. It is a great introduction for people (like me) who know the Mahasi Method only as a caricature.

At one point, Kearney says "the problem with technique is that it can be done very mechanically in a deadening way." This has always been my impression of the Mahasi Method. From the talk, it is clear that Kearney uses the method as a framework within which meditators can creatively develop a balance of samadhi and investigation. He emphasizes that there is no simple one-size-fits all method, and that meditators have to develop their own feel for what will work for them. Is this how most Mahasi lineage teachers teach? Is Kearney representative or an outlier?

[tiltbillings]

Thanks for posting this. It is a great introduction for people (like me) who know the Mahasi Method only as a caricature.

You are welcome. The caricature is unfortunate and we see a lot of that here, especially when it gets into the false dichotomy of jhana vs vipassana.

At one point, Kearney says "the problem with technique is that it can be done very mechanically in a deadening way." This has always been my impression of the Mahasi Method. From the talk, it is clear that Kearney uses the method as a framework within which meditators can creatively develop a balance of samadhi and investigation. He emphasizes that there is no simple one-size-fits all method, and that meditators have to develop their own feel for what will work for them. Is this how most Mahasi lineage teachers teach? Is Kearney representative or an outlier?

The good teachers, such as Joseph Goldstein and other IMS teachers, teach much the same. The late Munindra-ji, an Indian teacher trained by Mahasi Sayadaw and very traditional in his approach, taught much the same.

I know what you mean by "done very mechanically in a deadening way," but these the teachers that I worked with emphasized keeping the practice "light and easy." When done properly it is very dynamic, very alive, but any practice is going to go through peaks and troughs, which is why working with a good teacher is necessary, especially in the beginning.

[mikenz66]

Is this how most Mahasi lineage teachers teach? Is Kearney representative or an outlier?

What he says is generally very similar to the teachers I know, but he does seem to have some very good explanations. However, to me the key point of a teacher is that they can diagnose what an individual is doing, which I presume he is good at, but I have never met him so I can't comment.


Mike

[tiltbillings]

The linked talk in the OP in worth a serious listen for who have not had the opportunity.

[mikenz66]

And newer versions of that introductory talk are available at Patrick's website:
http://www.dharmasalon.net/Audio/audio.html


Mike

[SarathW]

It is a good introduction the insight meditation.
On of the main pints it misses is the refrain.
Any one who interested in the full instruction please refer to the following.

Joseph Goldstein Satipatthana series


http://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/96/talk/6162/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[iHappy]

I usually listen to Gil Fronsdal but I might try with the link you have provided by Joseph Goldstein.

45 hours in total. 1 hours a day = 45 days. Thats a good challenged

[JohnK]

And newer versions of that introductory talk are available at Patrick's website:
http://www.dharmasalon.net/Audio/audio.html


Mike

Mike, can you say which one is "that introductory talk?"
Much thanks.

[JohnK]

And newer versions of that introductory talk are available at Patrick's website:
http://www.dharmasalon.net/Audio/audio.html


Mike

Mike, can you say which one is "that introductory talk?"
Much thanks.

Never mind, Mike.
I listened to the older one.
(Thanks for your time, effort and helpfulness here at DW.)

[mikenz66]

Generally the ones labelled "On/Introducing Method", are sometimes before, sometimes after a talk "On/Introducing mindfulness".

For example:
http://www.dharmasalon.net/Audio/strath ... _2015.html

01 Introducing mindfulness
We introduce the concept of “mindfulness,” which is the standard translation of the Pāli word sati. Sati literally means “memory,” and mindfulness refers to the act of remembering the present. We find the same meaning in railway station signs that exhort us to “mind the gap,” to remember to be aware, now. The practice of mindfulness is associated with the felt continuity of awareness, and this is what we are aiming for in our practice.
02 (AM) Introducing method
This morning we introduce the meditation method, tracing its lineage from the Buddha to the revival of meditation practice in the mid nineteenth century in Burma. We look at the basic principles of Buddhist meditation, and how the approach of Mahāsī Sayādaw is structured around the three activities of noting, naming and noticing.

See also: Patrick Kearney on Meditation Technique and Marketing

Later talks at each retreat go into the details of the Satipatthana Sutta, with a strong emphasis on practice.


Mike

[Spiny Norman]

Listening to this is a well spent hour, putting the vipassana practice into its context.
http://www.buddhistelibrary.org/en/disp ... p?pid=1556

Good talk. It was useful to be reminded of the difference between noting and naming.

[Modus.Ponens]

I'm loving this talk. Thanks!