Michele McDonald has taught Insight meditation for twenty-six years. Beyond her commitment to the Vipassana Hawai'i Sangha in Honolulu, she has taught extensively throughout the United States, and regularly teaches in Canada, Burma, and elsewhere around the world.

Having worked with a wide range of Asian and Western teachers, Michele is most inspired by her practice with Dipa Ma and Sayadaw U Pandita and more recently in Burma with the Mya Taung Sayadaw.

She appreciates teaching at many levels of practice and has enjoyed teaching three-month retreats for experienced students as well as developing meditation retreats for youth.

Her style of teaching emphasizes helping individuals find entry points into stillness that are natural for them. She encourages an understanding the path of insight and a gentle strengthening of mindfulness and concentration so that, ultimately, people can access the peaceful depths of their experience in every moment. Michele is thrilled when students begin to love their practice.

See also Offering the Teachings and Michele's Articles.

Michele's Schedule

Please note: As well as Vipassana Hawai'i retreats, Michele teaches a number of retreats that are not sponsored by Vipassana Hawai'i. We list her complete schedule here for the convenience of her students. For non-VH retreats please follow the links below to get further information from the sponsoring organization.

Upcoming Retreats

Past Retreats