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. She is passionate about using Dhamma and nature to help others rediscover the intrinsic goodness in all beings.
Events with Venerable Virañani
Introduction to Metta - WeekendAugust 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 weekendAugust 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 retreat consists of an introductory weekend cotaught by Ayya Viranani and Tara Frances, followed by two weeks of intensive metta practice led by Ayya Viranani. It is ideal for experienced meditators new to metta practice, but is suitable for yogis experienced in metta practice as well as first time meditators. People wishing…
Two Week Metta RetreatAugust 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.