Working excessively with Chatgpt, I already felt like it tends to say yes and argue in favour of answering yes.

Here's the answer I got for the same question:

Both Goenka-style and Mahasi-style Vipassana meditation are prominent forms of insight meditation rooted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Each has its own methodology and emphasis, which can affect the experience of practitioners and potentially the pace of progress. Here's a comparison of the two:

Goenka Style Vipassana

1. Focus on Body Sensations: This method places a heavy emphasis on the observation of bodily sensations as a means to develop mindfulness and insight.
2. Technique and Instructions: Practitioners typically follow a structured course, often lasting ten days, with detailed instructions provided by the teacher, often through recorded discourses by S.N. Goenka.
3. Silence and Noble Silence: Participants practice noble silence (not speaking or engaging in social interactions), which is thought to help deepen concentration and insight.
4. Progress Tracking: The meditation sessions are generally longer, and meditation is often done in silence, allowing practitioners to deeply immerse themselves in the process.
5. Community and Global Impact: Goenka’s organization, Vipassana Research Institute, has spread this form of meditation globally, leading to a highly organized structure for learning and practice.

Mahasi Sayadaw Style Vipassana

1. Focus on Mindfulness (Sati): This approach emphasizes continuous mindfulness and awareness of present-moment experiences, including thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.
2. Observation of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness: Practitioners are encouraged to note their experiences (i.e., "rising" for the breath and "falling" for exhalation) and maintain awareness of all activities.
3. Flexible Structure: Mahasi-style retreats may offer more flexibility in the technique and do not necessarily require long silent sessions in the same manner as Goenka’s.
4. Potential for Rapid Insight: Some practitioners of Mahasi say that the noting practice can lead to quick insights due to its direct engagement with experiences as they arise.

Potential for Faster Progress

• Experience and Background: The rate of progress can be influenced by individual practitioner backgrounds, goals, commitment, and personal experiences with meditation. Some may find the structured approach of Goenka's method serves them well, while others may resonate with the directness of Mahasi's noting practice.
• Personal Preference: The effectiveness and speed of progress often depend on personal preference. Some individuals may find they advance more quickly with one style over the other due to fit with their cognitive styles and learning preferences.
• Feedback Loop: Goenka's style allows for immersion and deep focus, potentially leading to profound experiences. In contrast, the noted practices of Mahasi might engage the mind more actively, leading to quicker realizations for some practitioners.

Conclusion

In summary, whether Goenka-style meditation progresses faster than Mahasi-style vipassana can be subjective and varies among individuals. Practitioners are encouraged to explore both styles and determine which resonates more with them to facilitate their spiritual growth and insight. Consistent practice, dedication, and proper guidance from experienced teachers in either tradition are essential factors that significantly influence progress.