Mahasi Sayadaw as Superman

“Mahasi Sayadaw had that stature of being a Superman. A super person of the Dhamma, and really interested in seeing it spread. The feeling around him was vastness and void. This radiating presence and emptiness at the same time. It was indescribable, but very powerful, kind of a goosebump energy.”

In a recent podcast episode, Steve Smith reflects on his profound journey through Myanmar’s spiritual and political landscape, a journey that began in 1977 with his visit to the rural Seikkhun monastery of Mahasi Sayadaw.

Steve recalls the immense presence of Mahasi, a teacher whose embodiment of monastic wisdom was both steeped in tradition and revolutionary in extending the Dhamma’s reach beyond the monastic order. This was a transformative era when Burmese monasteries first began opening their doors to foreign meditators. Steve later ordained under both Mahasi Sayadaw and Sayadaw U Pandita, whose firm yet compassionate guidance deeply shaped his understanding of the seamless integration of meditation practice and social engagement—an ethos he found uniquely realized in Myanmar.

Steve also recounts the understated yet profound acts of defiance displayed by figures like Sayadaw U Pandita in resisting tyranny, including Myanmar’s military regime. A poignant example is U Pandita’s refusal to accept offerings from Khin Nyunt, Myanmar’s feared military intelligence chief—a silent but impactful rejection of authoritarianism that left a lasting impression on Steve. Beyond spiritual training, Steve’s time in Myanmar connected him to the heart of the democracy movement, including a close relationship with Aung San Suu Kyi, who shared his teacher. These relationships often placed Steve in the regime’s crosshairs, leading to his blacklisting for many years. Despite this, he has remained a dedicated ally to the people of Myanmar, supporting health and education initiatives and helping document military atrocities. His reflections illuminate the enduring power of Myanmar’s Dhamma tradition to inspire inner transformation and collective resistance.

Steve Smith’s description of Mahasi Sayadaw in the above quote captures the ineffable essence of a true spiritual master. Calling Mahasi a “Superman” of the Dhamma is no exaggeration—it speaks to the teacher’s extraordinary ability to transcend the mundane while being profoundly present in the human experience. Steve’s words evoke the paradox of spiritual greatness: radiance coupled with humility, power suffused with gentleness, presence balanced with emptiness. The “goosebump energy” he felt was not merely emotional but a visceral recognition of Mahasi Sayadaw’s alignment with the Dhamma, a presence that transcended language and reached into the depths of one’s being.

This portrayal of Mahasi Sayadaw conveys how his impact extended beyond his teachings, transforming the very atmosphere he inhabited. To stand in his presence was to feel the vast potential of the human spirit fully awakened, to glimpse what is possible when the Path is walked completely. Steve’s awe reminds us that such figures are rare but profoundly impactful, their influence rippling far beyond their immediate disciples. His account invites us to reflect on the transformative power of living the Dhamma so completely that it ignites the same potential in others. This story is a testament to the enduring legacy of Mahasi Sayadaw’s wisdom and its capacity to inspire profound change in both individuals and society!

Listen to Steve’s full episode by subscribing to Insight Myanmar wherever you get your podcasts.