19/05/2026
What is Vipassana meditation in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw?
Introduction (Aad):
A frequently asked question is what we at Dhammadipa mean by ‘practicing Vipassana in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw’. Below is an attempt to provide a brief summary of this for a broad audience. A more extensive summary will be published in the near future.
What is Vipassana in the ‘Mahasi tradition’ (Adi Ichsan, Board and Teachers)
Vipassana is the gradual realization of wisdom, by acquiring profound insights into the true nature of one’s own self. For the practitioner, it has as a visible result in obtaining the attributes of Right View (samma ditthi) and Right Intention (samma sangkappa). Right View and Right Intention are attained through a brief Nibbana experience during meditation. The Mahasi tradition guides a yogi in acquiring the necessary insights without first needing to possess knowledge of Buddhism, and without first having to overcome obstacles through the practice of calmness and tranquility.
Difference from other methods
The difference from other Vipassana schools lies in the required degree of concentration at the beginning of the meditation. The traditions of U Bha Khin and Goenka require a concentration strength of approaching concentration (upachara samadhi) before the practice of Vipassana begins.
The traditions of Pa Auk and the Forest Monks (Dhammayuttika Nikaya) require the realization of full absorption concentration (appana samadhi) as a condition for the commencement of the practice of Vipassana.
8 MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAHASI TRADITION
(1) Not too strong and continuous concentration at the start, Known as momentary concentration (khanika samadhi).
(2) Makes use of instant naming when a sense door is in contact with it’s related source.
(3) Distinguishes between concept and ultimate reality, remains focused on ultimate reality (paramattha dhamma).
(4) Observed object is at a normal to medium level of size.
(5) Mindfulness as the main pillar of the practice.
(6) Staying in the here and now, staying away from the past and future.
(7) Obstacles are tolerated but not appropriated.
(8) All four foundations of mindfulness are practiced with ‘rising-falling’ as the entry point/anchor.
The benefits of this approach:
1. Has a low threshold for starting meditation.
2. Can be practiced anywhere; especially in the beginning, it does not require special locations.
3. Can begin without any knowledge of Buddhism, nor the need to become a Buddhist. 4. Can be practiced by anyone, young and old, regardless of gender or educational level, whether monastic or lay.
5. With consistent practice, awareness of one's own thinking, speech, and actions develops. This is also useful in the everyday world.
6. With consistent practice, one is less inclined to follow one's own harmful emotional drives.
7. An analytical approach to reality that allows insights (knowledge) regarding the true nature of existence to arise quite quickly.
8. Through practice, the yogi naturally enters the principles of Buddhism, particularly the Sutta texts and the Abhidhamma.
9. The personal development trajectory is clear, and the necessary insights are spread across the 16 levels of insight (Ñanakatha), making progress visible and attainable, provided it is guided by a skilled facilitator/teacher.
10. Increased chance that a moment of enlightenment will be realized during an intensive retreat. If you have any questions regarding this summary, please ask your teacher or email [email protected].
Warm and Dhamma greetings,
The Board
