Introduction (With an Open Mind-- Dhamma Talks by Sayadaw Jhaneyya)

Note: The following Dhamma talks were given by Sayadaw U Jhaneya (Mya Sein Taung) during retreats in Singapore, Malaysia, and Burma. I do not translate the entire talks, but only the essential points. Sayadaw U Jhaneya was trained in the Mahāsi system, yet he was an open-minded practitioner with extensive Dhamma knowledge. After becoming a meditation teacher, he frequently drew upon Mogok Sayadaw’s Dhamma talks in his own instruction to yogis. Today, he is well known both within Burma and internationally.

On the Mahāsi Satipaṭṭhāna System

Mahāsi Satipaṭṭhāna meditation is a fundamental mindfulness practice that all yogis should understand. The effectiveness of this system is evident in its longevity and widespread adoption.

The first meditation centre of this lineage appeared in 1911, in Myo Hla Town, where yogis U San Dun and others invited Mingoon Sayadaw U Nārada to teach. He taught there for two years. From there, the method spread to many towns and cities. Mahāsi Sayadaw, as his disciple, later played a key role in transmitting this teaching to the outside world.

(The continued vitality of this system—now for more than a century—demonstrates its practical success.)

[Note: Thaton Mingoon Jetavan Sayadaw (1868–1954) was originally from Mingoon, Sagaing. After teaching for two years in Myo Hla Town, yogis from Mawlamyaing (Lower Burma) invited him to teach there. On the way, when the train stopped at Thaton Town, the Sayadaw met a monk named U Kelasa, who invited him to stay and teach at his place. Gradually, more and more people came to practice. Therefore, U Kekasa and other senior yogis from various cities looked for a new place to establish a vihāra and residential buildings for yogis. In 1914, they named the place “Jetavan,” and the Sayadaw became well known as the Thaton Mingoon Jetavan Sayadaw.]

Another Important Meditation Lineage: Saya Thet → Sayagyi U Ba Khin

Another important meditation system is the teaching lineage of Saya Thet (1873–1945). One of his most well-known disciples was Sayagyi U Ba Khin (1899–1971).

It appears that Saya Thet began teaching around 1897, giving this system a history of more than a century. Over this long period, it has benefited many yogis around the world. Therefore, the success of this system is also clearly evident.