Full name Brigitte Schrottenbacher, abbreviated MC = mae ji = mae chee = mae chi [pronounced maj-chi] is a Thai nun, a position between a layperson and an ordained nun (which is not possible in Thailand), observes the 8 precepts
MC Brigitte is originally Austrian, ordained in Thailand on 4 January 1990
teaches in many countries, conducts vipassana, mettā and body contemplation sessions
expects meditators to observe 8 resolutions (i.e. no solid food after noon), 5 resolutions (for serious reasons) or at least 1 resolution (not to harm oneself or others; only exceptionally)
daily group interviews (questions and answers), possibility of individual interviews
mindful communication allowed
Practiced Burmese Mahasi Sayadaw tradition for 5 years with Venerable Phra Acharn Thawee Baladhammo, Thai Forest Theravada tradition (Buddha technique as taught by Venerable Phra Acharn Mun and his followers) for 7 years with Venerable Acharn Sangwahn Khemmako.
She began teaching in Thailand in 1992, and abroad since 2001 (in several countries in Asia, Europe, USA, Russia and New Zealand).
She now refers to her technique as “freestyle vipassana”. He adapts the techniques to the individual abilities, tendencies and needs of the students.
MC Brigitte stresses that the Dhamma must be practiced in everyday life. Intensive courses are useful to strengthen mindfulness, but the REAL work has to be done in life.
Her courses are intense, yet compassionately relaxed. Her motto is to do “the right things at the right time”. In her temple in Thailand and also during her courses, she has a relaxed approach to meditation: “Everything is meditation if you understand it”.
Metta – loving kindness and compassion for self and others are an important part of her courses. So too is contemplation of the body to help students weaken attachment to the body and prepare the mind for life’s inevitable situations such as sickness and death, and to increase the ability to maintain mindfulness even in these situations.
Video: with German director Joerg Dittmar she made a series of videos about the Dhamma (available for free): http://www.meditationthailand.com/videos.html
Books: she has translated several accounts of the Dhamma by her teachers and written several books of her own (available for free download):
http://www.meditationthailand.com/dhammateachings.html
She is also the initiator and supporter (through donations she receives abroad) of a number of social projects: http://www.meditationthailand.com/socialprojects.htm
Child Protection Aid: supports the Child Protection Centre in Pattaya, a project initiated together with the former Austrian Ambassador Dr. Johannes Peterlik
Supports around 160 nuns per month in the form of pocket money, as nuns in Thailand are not nearly as generously supported as monks
Supports the poor people living around the temple
Supports children from several poor families and orphans in Thailand in the form of school fees and school uniforms
Supports the AIDS temple in Lopburi
Supports a temple for drug addicts (rehab) in Saraburi
Disaster Relief:
2004 tsunami – crisis food distribution, then construction of 4 houses and a kindergarten in southern Thailand
2011/2012 floods in Thailand – emergency food distribution, medical aid to victims; subsequent assistance with house repairs and support for those who lost everything; medical support in the form of medicines donated to the Austrian Red Cross in cooperation with the Thai-Austrian association
On 9 December 2009 MC Brigitta was honoured by HRH Princess Chulabhorn for her peace-building and meritorious acts for humanity
In March 2009 awarded by the United Nations on the occasion of International Women’s Day as “Outstanding Woman in Buddhism”
Read more: www.meditationthailand.com
