Guide to the Practice of Insight

Mahasi Sayadaw, author of the «Guide to the Practice of Insight», is regarded as one of the most accomplished Buddhist scholars and meditation masters of the twentieth century. In this written treatise, he elaborates on the doctrinal and practical aspects of mindful observation (satipa??hana) and the development of insight knowledge (vipassana), leading up to the attainment of Nibbana, the ultimate freedom.
Mahasi Sayadaw provides detailed instructions on both the practice that precedes insight meditation and the actual practice of developing insight, from the beginner to the most advanced levels. Of particular value to practitioners is the description of meditative experiences, starting from the early days of practice until the attainment of the first stage of enlightenment, known as «entering the stream». The book also provides a comprehensive model for assessing one's development of insight knowledge. Mahasi Sayadaw explains in detail the various dazzling effects that arise with the development of concentration, as well as the ten distortions of insight, sometimes referred to as pseudo-nibbana. Signs of achievement at each level of the development of insight knowledge are indicated, up to the experience of enlightenment. This material has not been widely available outside of Burma.