Venerable Virañani

Ayya Vīrañāṇi began to practise meditation in 1979. In 2003, after several years working at the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts, USA, and training in the Thai Forest tradition, she began a period devoted to intensive practice in the Burmese lineage of Mahasi Sayadaw. She took permanent ordination in Burma with Sayadaw U Pandita on New Year 2006, and until recently has mostly resided at the Chanmyay Myaing Meditation Centre in Myanmar. She was one of the editors (for Pāḷi and English) of the translation from the Burmese of Mahasi Sayadaw’s Manual of Insight published by Wisdom Publications. She teaches mettā and vipassanā meditation retreats worldwide.  Ayya has a science background and was previously a conservation biologist.

 

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Upcoming Programs by Venerable Virañani

Introduction to Metta - Weekend

Also with Tara Frances

August 1 - 3, 2025
The practice of loving-kindness (mettā bhāvana) aims at the cultivation of a loving, benevolent attitude towards all living beings. Since the time of the Buddha, this form of meditation has been used as a practice in itself, and as a support for the development and deepening of insight. ***This weekend retreat is ideal for first time meditators***

Two Week Metta Retreat & Introductory weekend

Also with Tara Frances

August 1 - 17, 2025
The practice of loving-kindness (mettā bhāvana) aims at the cultivation of a loving, benevolent attitude towards all living beings. Since the time of the Buddha, this form of meditation has been used as a practice in itself, and as a support for the development and deepening of insight. ***This course starts with the introductory weekend and is followed by two weeks of intensive practice. It is ideal for experienced meditators new to metta practice, but is also suitable for yogis with metta experience as well as first time meditators.***

Two Week Metta Retreat

August 4 - 17, 2025
The practice of loving-kindness (mettā bhāvana) aims at the cultivation of a loving, benevolent attitude towards all living beings. Since the time of the Buddha, this form of meditation has been used as a practice in itself, and as a support for the development and deepening of insight. *** This course is ideal for experienced metta practitioners, but is open to people new to metta practice or to meditation generally***

Metta for Vipassana

October 10 - 24, 2026

The practice of loving-kindness (mettā bhāvana) aims at the cultivation of a loving, benevolent attitude towards all living beings. Since the time of the Buddha, this form of meditation has been used as a practice in itself, and as a support for the development and deepening of insight (vipassanā bhāvana) This retreat is ideal for […]