Full name: Brigitte Schrottenbacher, known as MC (Mae Ji / Mae Chee / Mae Chi, pronounced “Mai-Chee”), is a Thai religious sister, positioned between a lay practitioner and an ordained nun (as full ordination for women is not possible in Thailand). She follows the Eight Precepts.
Originally from Austria, MC Brigitte was ordained in Thailand on January 4, 1990. She teaches in multiple countries and leads Vipassana, Metta, and body contemplation retreats. She encourages her students to observe:
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Eight Precepts (including no solid food after noon),
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Five Precepts (for those with specific needs), or
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At least one Precept (not harming oneself or others – in exceptional cases).
Her retreats include daily group discussions (Q&A), individual consultations, and mindful communication.
MC Brigitte began teaching in Thailand in 1992 and expanded internationally in 2001, conducting retreats across Asia, Europe, the USA, Russia, and New Zealand. She describes her method as “free-style Vipassana”, adapting techniques to the unique abilities, tendencies, and needs of her students.
She emphasizes that Dhamma (meditation) should be applied in everyday life. Intensive retreats help develop mindfulness, but true practice happens in daily life. Her approach is both intense and compassionately relaxed, guided by the principle:
“Doing the right things at the right time.”
At her temple in Thailand and during her courses, she maintains a flexible approach to meditation, believing:
“Everything is meditation if you understand it.”
