There was so much that was valuable about the workshop, it is hard to pick just one thing! The instructor's warm and supportive teaching style made the learning environment very relaxed and his in-depth knowledge of the Pali language was so impressive.
Very inspiring to see how quickly language can be acquired when studying intensively and receiving the support of dedicated servers.
It was so wonderful to develop an understanding of these Pali passages that we have heard Goenkaji chant so many times. Also, going through the Girimananda and Dhammacakkapavattana Suttas word by word, and then listening to discourses by Goenkaji about these suttas, was AWESOME.
The Pali course was fantastic. It really inspired me to keep going deeper. I found it very valuable to read the Suttas directly and see the words come to life.
The Pali course gave me a strong foundation of Pali grammar so I can work further by myself. Also studying in a group encouraged me to work hard.
The workshop provided me the ability to understand Goenkaji's chanting, which I have been listening to for years; not simply reading a translation, but learning the meaning of the words for myself and then being able to both read and chant them.
I took the Intermediate course after having taken the Introductory course last year. I became more proficient at identifying various parts of writings, sentences and words. I think I am ready to start reading Pali texts on my own.
I liked that the emphasis was not on drilling grammar but on understanding the concepts needed to deepen our meditation practice.
It was the right balance in atmosphere between serious learning & meditation, and more casual social get-together.
The Pali instructor was excellent! She managed to keep us very engaged and challenged with her systematic approach of class materials in accordance to the 10-day course structure.
What I found most valuable about the Pali workshop was understanding how the chanting and suttas very specifically support our meditation practice.
How invaluable the service and the setting were for the success of the workshop. The house that we stayed at was so comfortable, the secluded setting so peaceful and beautiful, and the servers were just amazing; the students were able to devote themselves fully to studying...
I found the instructor's clear and kind teaching style to be very conducive to learning a new language. I also felt that collaborating with fellow students and vipassana meditators was invaluable.
Sean emphasizes grammar much more intensely than the other two teachers. I personally was very eager to get into the nitty-gritty of Pali grammar, so I really appreciated Sean's teaching style.
It was so valuable having an instructor with sufficient knowledge of Pali to answer our questions and point out resources. I was also inspired to be with fellow students who helped maintain my enthusiasm to study diligently.
The teacher's teaching style was effective, easy to understand and fun. I hope she can come back and teach us again.