Lineage Talks by Patrick Given-Wilson

Patrick Given-Wilson presents an interesting series of talks exploring the lives and teachings of the lineage of Vipassana Meditation teachers in our tradition, the lineage that led to the Vipassana courses as taught by S.N. Goenka. The talks touch on the setbacks and challenges the different teachers faced, and the ways in which they presented and taught Vipassana to suit the different times, audiences and cultures that they encountered—while always maintaining its essence and pristine purity. The talks show how, as a result, the teaching of Vipassana—which for generations was only limited available to a few monks in Burma—was able to spread to so many people throughout the world today. They cover Ashoka, who first sent monks to Burma, then Ledi Sayadaw, Saya Thet, Webu Sayadaw, Sayagyi U Ba Khin and S.N. Goenka. The talks are offered to explain the history and origins of this noble tradition, and above all to inspire Vipassana meditators.