Kamala Masters

Kamala Masters began practicing meditation in the mid-seventies, attending retreats in the Theravada tradition. In 1977, she met Anagarika Munindra, who became her first teacher. He had trained under Mahasi Sayadaw (1904-1982), a highly regarded monk commonly recognized as one of the most esteemed elders of the Theravada tradition in Myanmar during that time.

After some years of practice with Munindraji, he recommended that Kamala go to practice with Sayadaw U Pandita of Myanmar, who had taken Mahasi Sayadaw’s place after his death as primary monk of the Mahasi meditation center. In 1985, she was able to attend a one-month retreat with Sayadaw U Pandita. Kamala found his guidance at that retreat and others precise, comprehensive and inspiring. His deep understanding of the refinements of practice were so supportive, especially during challenging practice times. From that time on Sayadaw U Pandita remained a major teacher for her, along with Munindraji.

In 2005, Kamala began practicing cittanupassana, mindfulness of mind, with Sayadaw U Tejaniya of Myanmar. Integrating the teachings of U Tejaniya was very helpful to students in the West at that time, bringing in more emphasis on continuity of effort without striving,

Co-founding Vipassana Metta Foundation with her teaching partner and husband, the late Steve Armstrong, they began developing the Maui Dhamma Sanctuary on Maui for mature students to continue their practice in longer silent retreats under their guidance. During that time, she also served as one of the editors on the Vipassana Metta Foundation Translation Committee for Mahasi Sayadaw’s Manual of Insight, published by Wisdom Publications in 2016.

Kamala continues her personal meditation practice in everyday life, and strives for extended periods of self-retreat each year. She also enjoys spending time with her family, which includes 4 children and seven grandchildren. Now in her semi-retirement years, she is grateful to continue serving the Dhamma mainly at Cloud Mountain, Spirit Rock, Insight Meditation Society and online. Kamala is also an Emeritus Core Guiding Teacher of the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts.