{"id":574,"date":"2018-07-13T14:04:22","date_gmt":"2018-07-13T14:04:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/web1.dharma.org\/?page_id=574"},"modified":"2025-10-13T10:33:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T15:33:28","slug":"meditation-centers-and-communities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dharma.org\/resources\/meditation-centers-and-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"Insight Meditation Centers and Communities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery<\/a>
\nA Buddhist community in Redwood, California, in the tradition of Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Sumedho & Amaravati Buddhist Monastery.<\/p>\n

Saranaloka Foundation\/Aloka Earth Room\/Aloka Vihara<\/a>
\nThe Saranaloka Foundation\u2019s mission is to empower female monastics to teach and train.<\/p>\n

Asheville Insight Meditation<\/a>
\nA meditation community located in Asheville, North Carolina offering\u00a0weekly guided meditation sessions, classes, visits from meditation teachers, reading resources, group sharing and resources for participating in extended retreats.<\/p>\n

The Barn, Devon, England<\/a>
\nThe Barn is a Buddhist meditation retreat center on the Sharpham Estate in Devon in southwest England. Retreats are based on mindfulness practice, Buddhist inquiry, organic gardening and community living.<\/p>\n

Barre Center for Buddhist Studies<\/a>
\nBCBS offers a variety of opportunities for investigating the teachings of the Buddha \u2013 lectures, classes, workshops, retreats and independent study programs. While rooted in the classical Buddhist tradition, the BCBS mission calls for the study of all schools of Buddhism and discussions with other traditions. The emphasis is on the interrelationship between study and practice, and on exploring the relevance of classical teachings to contemporary life.<\/p>\n

Bhavana Society<\/a>
\nEstablished in Washington DC, in 1982, Bhavana Society is dedicated to the practice of Theravada Buddhist meditation. Bhavana is a term meaning mental cultivation. Bhavana Society is located on 42 acres of secluded forest near High View, West Virginia (approximately 100 miles west of DC). The center offers Society members and friends rare opportunities to practice Vipassana meditation in an ideal setting, in keeping with the forest tradition.<\/p>\n

Bodhinyanarama<\/a>
\nBodhinyanarama is a monastic residence of the Theravada tradition of Buddhism set in a 51 hectare Native Reserve of regenerating bush 29 kms from Wellington, New Zealand. Bodhinyanarama has its origins in the Thai Forest Tradition and is associated with the many branch monasteries of meditation master Ajahn Chah.<\/p>\n

Brazos Insight Meditation Society<\/a>
\nBrazos Insight Meditation Society (BIMS) is a community of meditators, providing the opportunity to learn about and practice the Buddhist Theravadan tradition in Bryan\/College Station, Texas. We seek peace, understanding and wisdom through developing mindfulness in meditation and everyday life.<\/p>\n

Buddhist Families of Durham<\/a>
\nLocated in Durham, North Carolina, the BFD supports parents and their children in the practice of mindfulness meditation and the understanding of Buddhist teachings within the\u00a0vipassana\u00a0<\/em>lineage. The Sunday morning meetings begin with a child-led ceremony, followed by an adult sit and Bodhi School for the children. Our vision is to create an ongoing community in which families develop a spiritual path in the Buddhist meditative tradition, integrate these principles into daily life at home, and apply such development toward the benefit and peace of the larger communities in which we live.<\/p>\n

Buddhist Society of Western Australia<\/a>
\nThe Buddhist Society of Western Australia is a Theravada Buddhist group based on the forest tradition of SE Asia. It was started by a small group in 1973 and has since grown to become the largest Buddhist organisation in Australia. We have members throughout Western Australia, in all states of Australia and Christmas Island, and overseas in countries such as Canada, UK, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and USA.<\/p>\n

Buffalo Mindfulness Community<\/a>
\nThe Buffalo Mindfulness Community offers spiritual education and training about mindfulness (the cultivation of a non-judgmental awareness of the mind-body) and loving-kindness (the intention for all beings to be free from the root of suffering).<\/p>\n

Cambridge Insight Meditation Center<\/a>
\nCIMC is a non-residential urban center for the teaching and practice of insight meditation. CIMC\u2019s programs are designed to provide a strong foundation in formal meditation as well as daily practice. Our schedule includes daily sittings, weekly Dharma talks, ongoing classes and practice groups, teacher interviews, and a variety of weekend workshops and meditation retreats. An open invitation is extended to all to stop by CIMC and browse through the library or join in any of the public sittings or Wednesday evening Dharma talks.<\/p>\n

The Center for Mindful Inquiry<\/a>
\nThe Center for Mindful Inquiry (CMI) is dedicated to teaching the practices and principles of mindfulness to professionals. At CMI, course participants learn how to connect with, see and understand themselves, situations, and the people in their lives with greater clarity, wisdom, and compassion. By learning to apply mindfulness and to respond skillfully in the moment, professionals can bring benefit to themselves, to the particular situation and to all involved.<\/p>\n

Centro de Meditaci\u00f3n<\/a>
\nA bi-lingual Buddhist meditation center and retirement community in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, offering instruction in Vipassana meditation.<\/p>\n

Common Ground Meditation Center<\/a>
\nBased in Minneapolis, MN, and supporting the Twin Cities mindfulness meditation community, Common Ground exists to support the awakening of suffering beings through the development of an ethical life, the cultivation of a pure heart and quiet mind, and through a deepening of insight into the way things are.<\/p>\n

Collingswood Insight Meditation<\/a>
\nCollingswood Insight Meditation is a Buddhist community (or sangha) located just outside Philadelphia in Collingswood, New Jersey. Weekly gatherings include sitting and walking meditation practice, peer-led dharma discussion, and mindful listening. Practice leaders are guided by a recognized insight meditation teacher. CIM\u2019s weekly program emphasizes the Buddha\u2019s teaching of Vipassana (insight) as a path to liberation from suffering through awareness. In our busy urban context, practicing mindfulness in community is a powerful support to one\u2019s spiritual path to awakening. We hope you join us!<\/p>\n

The Community Meditation Center<\/a>
\nThe Community Meditation Center is located in New York City on Manhattan\u2019s upper west side. With a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, the CMC offers classes, Insight Meditation (Vipassana) instruction and practice, daylong retreats, workshops, and social events. Some of the world\u2019s most renowned teachers join with guiding teacher Allan Lokos as we endeavor to develop greater compassion, lovingkindness, wisdom, generosity, and equanimity. All are welcome.<\/p>\n

Delaware Valley Insight\u00a0<\/a>
\nDelaware Valley Insight is a Vipassana, or insight meditation, community active in the greater Philadelphia area throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Northern Delaware. This is a peer-led community that practices mindfulness meditation as taught within the tradition of Theravada Buddhism.<\/p>\n

Dhamma Madrid<\/a>
\nAn English- and Spanish-speaking Buddhist meditation community located in Madrid. We offer weekly meditation sittings as well as occasional day-long and weekend retreats.<\/p>\n

Dharmagiri<\/a>
\nDharmagiri, which means sacred mountain, is the name of a hermitage founded by Kittisaro and Thanissara on the border of Lesotho and South Africa in 2000. It is a small center hosts meditation retreats and educational courses, including guided self-retreat as well as scheduled retreats. In alliance with the international Buddhist community, Dharmagiri also supports outreach in its local rural community.<\/p>\n

Dharma Zephyr Insight Meditation Community<\/a>
\nDharma Zephyr Insight Meditation Community represents Buddhist Vipassana (insight) meditation groups in northern Nevada.<\/p>\n

The Forest Hermitage \u2013 Wat Pah Santidhamma<\/a>
\nThis is a Buddhist monastery after the style of the forest monasteries of N.E. Thailand but set in the Heart of England. It is owned and maintained by the Buddha-Dhamma Fellowship on behalf of and for the Bhikkhu Sangha, the community of monks founded by the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago. The senior monk, or Ajahn, the Venerable Khemadhammo Mahathera, with up to four more monks and a lay-attendant reside here. The tradition is that of the Theravada school.<\/p>\n

Gaia House<\/a>
\nGaia House is located in Devon, England, and offers Insight Meditation (known as Vipassana in the Buddhist tradition) and Zen Retreats throughout the year. The Centre provides comprehensive Dharma teachings and spiritual practices to realize wisdom and compassion in daily life.<\/p>\n

Gainesville Vipassana Society<\/a>
\nLocated in Gainesville, Florida, the purpose of the Gainesville Vipassana Society is to support the practice of Vipassana (Insight Meditation) by offering frequent residential retreats and weekly sitting groups.<\/p>\n

Insight Chicago Meditation Community<\/a>
\nInsight Chicago Meditation Community (ICMC) is a nonprofit organization which hosts\u00a0 weekly meditation groups (sanghas) around a variety of Chicagoland\u2019s diverse neighborhoods. We also offer workshops and residential retreats throughout the year for those interested in deepening their practice. Our intention is to serve as a resource within the community supporting the practice of Insight (Vipassana) meditation as grounded in the teachings of the Buddha. We warmly welcome all to join us regardless of meditation experience level or personal\/religious background.\u200b<\/p>\n

Insight Community of the Desert<\/a>
\nLocated in Palm Springs, California, The Insight Community of the Desert\u2019s mission is to cultivate peace, compassion and interconnection through mindfulness practice and wisdom teachings from Buddhist and other contemplative traditions. The center offers\u00a0weekly meditation and teaching, daylong retreats and class series. Larry Yang serves as guiding teacher.<\/p>\n

Insight Fort Collins<\/a>
\nA meditation community serving Fort Collins, Colorado, we offer guidance in vipassana (insight) and metta (lovingkindness) meditation. We are dedicated to sharing this practice with all who might be interested, regardless of race, class, age, ethnicity, cultural and religious background, sexual orientation, or gender identity.<\/p>\n

Insight Meditation in Ann Arbor<\/a>
\nFriendly, open Sunday morning sitting group, vipassana classes for beginning and continuing meditators. Weekend retreats several times a year, vipassana instruction in the traditional Theravadan tradition. Serving Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, Michigan.<\/p>\n

Insight Meditation in the Berkshires<\/a>
\nInsight Meditation in the Berkshires meets for weekly practice on Friday evenings, 5:30-6:30, at the Bushnell-Sage Library in Sheffield, MA. This group is free of charge and all are welcome, no experience necessary.<\/p>\n

InsightLA<\/a>
\nInsightLA, under the direction of Trudy Goodman, guides the practice of Buddhist meditation individually, in sitting groups, and through retreats in the Los Angeles and Southern California area. We offer a range of programs which include the practice of Insight Meditation, also known as Vipassana in the Buddhist tradition.<\/p>\n

Insight Meditation Center<\/a>
\nThe Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, California has been meeting since 1986. It is a gathering of individuals who meet in order to learn, support and deepen their mindfulness practice. It is an informal group and those interested in mindfulness meditation are heartily welcome to join whenever they wish.<\/p>\n

The Insight Meditation Center of the Pioneer Valley<\/a>
\nIMC PV is a non-residential urban center located in Easthampton, MA. Its mission is to offer the Buddha\u2019s teachings of liberation to all those who are interested and to those who want to sustain and deepen their practice. We offer drop in sittings, classes, one-day and weekend non-residential retreats and teacher interviews. Rebecca Bradshaw is the Guiding Teacher.<\/p>\n

Insight Meditation Circle of Cape Cod<\/a>
\nIMCCC is open to all interested in learning about the teachings of the Buddha on wisdom, compassion and mindfulness. Strive to reflect the diversity of the Cape, this sangha is a place where everyone of different ages, cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and spiritual backgrounds is welcome to begin or deepen meditation practice based on the teachings of the Buddha.<\/p>\n

The Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville<\/a>
\nIMCC holds a weekly sangha meeting with a period of meditation, followed by a dharma talk. The teachers also offer two other weekly sits, a biannual Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation course, a weeklong retreat as well as a weekend and several daylong retreats.<\/p>\n

Insight Meditation Community of Columbia<\/a>
\nLocated in South Carolina, we are a peer-led group of practitioners with diverse levels of experience who meet for meditation and discussion on vipassana meditation and lovingkindness (metta) practice. We are welcoming and our meetings are open to all, including people of all faiths and beliefs who seek freedom of heart and mind. We also study and practice mindfulness with the intention of integrating wisdom and manifesting compassion in all aspects of our lives.<\/p>\n

Insight Meditation Community of New Jersey<\/a>
\nInsight Meditation Community of New Jersey offers peer support and beginning instruction in Vipassana (Insight) meditation. The purpose of our community is to provide a supportive and friendly environment for the practice of meditation. The group meets in Morristown, NJ for weekly Sunday night group meditation, and for monthly Saturday all day peer retreats.<\/p>\n

Insight Meditation Community of Providence<\/a>
\nIMCP supports members in the practice and study of the Buddha\u2019s teachings. \u00a0All are warmly invited to join us on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month for 40 minutes of silent meditation, a short Dharma reading and time for discussion and sharing.<\/p>\n

Insight Meditation Community of Richmond (VA)<\/a>
\nIMCR is a twice weekly gathering of diverse individuals who practice meditation and study the teachings of Theravada Buddhism. Newcomers are welcome and encouraged to attend, regardless of their meditation experience, religious background or affiliation, or those with no religious affiliation.<\/p>\n

The Insight Meditation Community of Washington D.C.<\/a>
\nIMCW offers training in Vipassana (or Insight) meditation and related Buddhist practices that awaken the heart and mind. We serve the entire DC metro area. In addition to our flagship Wednesday night class in Bethesda, IMCW\u2019s programs include weekly classes and sitting groups in Washington; Takoma Park and Frederick, MD; Northern Virginia and Shepherdstown, south westWV. We also offer nonresidential weekend retreats and workshops, as well as a thriving community of peer-led Kalyana Mitta (or spiritual friend) groups. Longer residential retreats, held several times a year, are open to out-of-towners as well as DC-area residents. IMCW is guided by founder and senior teacher, Tara Brach, in addition to a Teachers Council and Board of Directors.<\/p>\n

The Insight Meditation Group, Dublin, Ireland<\/a>
\nWe have been in existence for over 25 years. We meet weekly in Rathfarnham, Dublin. This meeting includes a period of sitting meditation, ongoing discussion on a book related to the practice. We also have time for tea and chat.<\/p>\n

Insight Meditation South Bay<\/a>
\nIMSB, dedicated to the liberating teachings of the Buddha, was founded by Shaila Catherine to support Buddhist meditation practice in the Silicon Valley and South Bay area of California. IMSB offers training in mindfulness-based meditation, lovingkindness, ethics, concentration and jhana practices. Weekly meditation groups are held in Mountain View. Monthly daylongs, nonresidential weekend seminars, residential retreats, and Dharma study courses are offered in the nearby cities of San Jose, Campbell, Palo Alto and Menlo Park, as well as in Mountain View. Beginning and seasoned meditators are welcome.<\/p>\n

Insight San Diego<\/a>
\nInsight San Diego invites you to join a new study group. Using Joseph Goldstein\u2019s book,\u00a0Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening<\/em>as a guide, this group will methodically explore the fundamental path to awakening as described by the Buddha in the Satipatthana Sutta.<\/p>\n

The International Meditation Centres<\/a>
\nThere are six International Meditation Centres in the Sayagyi U Ba Khin Tradition. All were founded to provide facilities for the instruction and practice of Theravada Buddhist Meditation. Each of the centres in the West is a direct offshoot of the International Meditation Centre of Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Rangoon, Burma), which was founded by Sayagyi U Ba Khin.<\/p>\n

Kalyana Centre for Mindfulness<\/a>
\nKalyana Centre for Mindfulness is located in the southwest of Ireland, on the Dingle Peninsula, close to Mount Brandon. The Centre offers Mindfulness Meditation, as well as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Simple movements known as Kum Nye (Tibetan healing yoga) and a skillful use of the voice (Voice Awareness) are integrated in some of our workshops and retreats.<\/p>\n

Madison Insight Meditation Group<\/a>
\nThe Madison Insight Meditation Group is comprised of people with varying levels of training and experience in Vipassana, or Insight Meditation. They focus on the essence of the Buddha\u2019s teachings that underlie 2500 years of cultural traditions.<\/p>\n

Mahapajapati Monastery<\/a>
\nMahapajapati Women\u2019s Monastery is located in the hi-desert region of the Mojave Desert. We strive to practice the teachings of the Buddha. We\u00a0 observe the traditional \u201crains\u201d retreat, a three month retreat, from July-Oct.\u00a0Space is limited so please call ahead to inquire. There are no fees charged\u00a0at this monastery. Donations are gratefully accepted.<\/p>\n

Mariposa Sangha<\/a>
\nThe Mariposa Sangha offers weekly meditation, book discussions, beginning meditation instruction and Dharma talks. There are experienced meditators available to provide instruction. We collaborate with other Texas sanghas to offer retreats in Central Texas with visiting teachers from Spirit Rock in Woodacre, CA and Seattle Insight Meditation Society (SIMS). We enjoy occasional potlucks, Buddhist Movie Night and other social activities. Newcomers are welcome.<\/p>\n

Meditation Center Beatenberg Switzerland<\/a>
\nThe center offers various forms of meditation from among the great wealth of Buddhist traditions, continuing thereby a tradition of 2500 years, at the same time introducing forms and methods that are helpful in our modern times. Particular emphasis is given to Vipassana meditation retreats. The center is located in the Bernese Alps, a quiet, beautiful mountain area of Switzerland with a grand view over Thun lake and the surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n

Metta Forest Monastery<\/a>
\nMetta Forest Monastery (Wat Mettavanaram, or \u201cWat Metta\u201d for short) is a Thai forest monastery established in the rural hills outside of San Diego.<\/p>\n

Mid America Dharma<\/a>
\nMid America Dharma is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the practice of vipassana or Insight Meditation available to others in the central region of the United States.<\/p>\n

Mindful Harlem<\/a>
\nMindful Harlem is a non-profit community center dedicated to the practice of mindfulness as a vehicle for an awakened life. Through meditation, dharma talks and yoga, individuals will be guided toward recognition of their inner wisdom as the path for liberation. The center offers Drop and Sit, MBSR, Noble Men, Yoga, and Mindful Leadership classes. Sharing the community\u2019s collective wisdom is a big part of what Mindful Harlem is all about and we welcome you to be part of it.<\/p>\n

Mindfulness Outreach Initiative<\/a>
\nLocated in Omaha, Nebraska, Mindfulness Outreach Initiative (MOI) is a non-profit organization providing Insight Meditation instruction rooted in the Early Buddhist teachings of ethics, concentration, and wisdom. MOI offers weekly classes, group sits, retreats, courses and study groups. Through diverse community outreach efforts MOI works to make comprehensive meditation instruction and mindfulness training accessible to all.<\/p>\n

Monmouth Insight Meditation Group<\/a>
\nMonmouth Insight Meditation Group includes Monmouth County, New Jersey, residents who enjoy the benefits of Insight Meditation. They offer a peer-led group in a community space on Monday evenings.<\/p>\n

The Mountain Hermitage<\/a>
\nConceived as small meditation center in the exquisite, pristine, high country of northern New Mexico, The Mountain Hermitage is dedicated to the cultivation of wisdom and compassion and a way of life based on teachings of the Buddha. The deep belief that this sanctuary will help the world is the motivation for creating the Hermitage; where experienced meditators can undertake an extended period of intensive, independent practice. Marcia Rose is the founder and guiding teacher.<\/p>\n

New York Insight Meditation Center<\/a>
\nNew York Insight (NYI) was founded as a nonprofit center for the practice of mindful awareness (vipassana or insight meditation). NYI provides a place where all are welcome to begin or deepen meditation practice based on the liberation teachings of the Buddha. Programs include evenings with renowned meditation teachers, ongoing classes, daylong retreats and weekend courses for the integration of meditation teachings in daily life. The events, except where noted, are suitable for beginning as well as experienced meditators. NYI welcomes the participation of all interested people.<\/p>\n

Nirodha<\/a>
\nNirodha is a Theravada Buddhist organization based in Helsinki, Finland. The group organizes weekly sittings, practice days, silent meditation retreats, courses and study groups.<\/p>\n

Nirodha Retreats<\/a>
\nNirodha Retreats is a Sri Lankan based non-profit, formed with the mission of spreading the teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Theravada tradition. Nirodha Retreats offers, free of charge, online courses in Pali, Suttas, and soon courses on the Abhidhamma and meditation teachings and guidance by Dhammaruwan.<\/p>\n

The North Fork of Long Island Insight Meditation Sangha\u00a0 ><\/strong><\/p>\n

The North Fork of Long Island [NOFOLI] Insight Meditation Sangha provides beginning and experienced practitioners of insight meditation with an opportunity to support their practice through meditating and exploring together the wisdom, ethics and mindfulness of the Buddha\u2019s Noble Eightfold Path. The Sangha offers a sitting group weekly on Tuesday nights from 7pm – 8:30pm and one Sunday each month from 10am \u2013 12pm, both ET. To be COVID compliant, the Sangha now meets online. For further information please contact the Sangha\u2019s coordinator by emailing nofoli.ims(at)gmail.com<\/p>\n

North Shore Insight Meditation Center<\/a>
\nServing greater Newburyport and the North Shore of Massachusetts, NSIMC’s\u00a0 programs are led by a diverse team of teachers intended to meet the needs of their community. They host retreats and workshops at various locations, offered independently and through other organizations for everyone from beginners to experienced meditators.<\/p>\n

Open Door Sangha<\/a>
\nOpen Door Sangha is a community for Buddhist practice, primarily in the Insight (Vipassana) tradition, in Santa Barbara, California. The Sangha offers weekly meditation groups, introductory meditation classes, occasional daylong mini-retreats and weekend retreats with well-known Buddhist teachers. All are welcome.<\/p>\n

Pa-Auk Forest Monastery<\/a>
\nPa-Auk Forest Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in the Theravada tradition, with emphasis on the teaching and practice of both Samatha (tranquility) and Vipassana (insight) meditation. Situated in a forest along the Taung Nyo Mountain range in Mon State, Myanmar, the monastery provides a conducive setting for the practice of long-term, intensive meditation.<\/p>\n

Panditarama Lumbini International Vipassana Meditation Center<\/a>
\nPanditarama Lumbini in Nepal offers ongoing retreats year round. Meditators may schedule their individual retreats for a minimum of seven days up to several months, starting at any time of the year.<\/p>\n

The Philadelphia Meditation Center<\/a>
\nA Non-sectarian Meditation Center in the Philadelphia Area. A center for regular silent meditation practice. A place for learning in an open and non-sectarian environment. A place to meet others, learn a non-hierarchical, non-teacher centered place where we can support each other\u2019s spiritual growth.<\/p>\n

Philly Insight – Northeast<\/a>
\nPhilly Insight – Northeast is a peer-led insight meditation group that meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month for meditation and dhamma discussion (and sometimes cookies). We welcome beginners and experienced meditators alike. Please join us!<\/p>\n

Princeton Insight Meditation<\/a>
\nPrinceton Insight Meditation is a meditation group that welcomes and respects all spiritual and religious traditions. We offer knowledge, skills and tools that can be naturally integrated into daily life and personal values. We provide a supportive place to learn how to meditate or deepen meditation practice. Sitting groups, both teacher-led and peer-led, meet in downtown Princeton.<\/p>\n

Rochester Meditation Center<\/a>
\nRochester Insight Meditation, founded in 2004, offers two weekly 90-minute meditation sessions on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, at the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center in Rochester, MN. They also offer introductory insight meditation classes and a monthly mindful yoga class, and they regularly host visiting insight meditation speakers from throughout the Midwest and around the county.<\/p>\n

Roswell Insight Meditation Community<\/a>
\nWe are a teacher led diverse community of practitioners dedicated to cultivating greater compassion, understanding and wisdom, through the teachings of the Buddha.\u00a0 These teachings, or Dharma, provide a path of practice, leading directly to the reduction of our personal and collective suffering.\u00a0 We practice in the tradition of Insight Meditation, or Vipassana, which offers practices for opening the heart and mind, and seeing more clearly into the nature of our interconnected existence.\u00a0 We welcome practitioners from diverse spiritual and secular traditions.<\/p>\n

Sacramento Insight Meditation<\/a>
\nSacramento Insight Meditation\u2019s mission is to serve as a learning, training, and community center for the development, integration, and skillful use of meditation practices and awareness in all aspects of individual, family, educational, institutional, work, and community life.<\/p>\n

Sandy Springs Insight Meditation<\/a>
\nA peer-led insight meditation group in Atlanta, GA, that meets weekly for meditation and dharma discussions.<\/p>\n

Santa Fe Vipassana Sangha<\/a>
\nA Dharma Community in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Santa Fe Vipassana Sangha is a community of Dharma practitioners seeking liberation through Insight Meditation and integration of the Buddha\u2019s teachings into daily life.<\/p>\n

Saranaloka Foundation<\/a>
\nSaranaloka Foundation supports a small community of Theravada Buddhist nuns living at Aloka Vihara in the Sierra Foothhills of California. There, a rural monastery is being developed where women can live and train as nuns and where the lay community can practice.<\/p>\n

Sati Center for Buddhist Studies<\/a>
\nSati Center for Buddhist Studies supports the study of Buddhist teachings. Our perspective balances scholarly inquiry with serious meditation practice. Our goal is to help participants explore original Buddhist texts and appreciate the richness of the tradition and lineage. We want to facilitate ongoing dialog and exchange among meditators, teachers, students and scholars. Classes \u2014 held at various venues in the San Francisco area \u2014 are small to encourage personal contact and discussion. Our perspective is primarily Theravadin, but not exclusively so.<\/p>\n

The Satipanya Buddhist Trust<\/a>
\nDevoted to Vipassana Insight Meditation in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma, Satipanya is non-sectarian and of benefit to anyone of whatever religious or non-religious persuasion. The unifying principle is the practice of Mahasi Vipassana Insight Meditation. The appointed Spiritual Director of the Trust is Bhante Bodhidhamma, an English Theravada monk of twenty years\u2019 standing.<\/p>\n

Seattle Insight Meditation Society<\/a>
\nThe Seattle Insight Meditation Society (SIMS) is a non-profit organization devoted to offering the Buddha\u2019s teachings on insight and awareness to all those who seek them. Founded by a group of longtime practitioners of the dharma, or teachings of the Buddha, SIMS intends to create and nurture an open and cohesive spiritual community, or sangha, to support the practice of mindfulness in daily life.<\/p>\n

Seminarhaus Engl<\/a>
\nSeminarhaus Engl e.V.is a non-profit organization that was founded 1990 to offer retreats from different Buddhist traditions. We were inspired and encouraged by Sylvia Wetzel and Fred von Allmen. We want to help that attitudes like compassion, tolerance and insight get more attention in our society. Seminarhaus Engl as a place of practice, retreat and meeting should not be an island, but a bridge to a life with meaning right in our time. Engl is set among fields and woods in Niederbayern, about 100 km east of Munich, Germany.<\/p>\n

The Sharpham Trust, Devon, England<\/a>
\nThe Sharpham Trust offers a broad education in traditional Buddhist values critically applied to contemporary needs. The nature of this education is meditative, transformative and creative. The curriculum is designed to nurture a wiser and more compassionate orientation to daily life. It aims to enhance confidence and conviction in one\u2019s basic values, stimulate a renewal of personal and social vision, and cultivate a deeper sense of connectedness with, and responsibility for, others.<\/p>\n

Southern Dharma Retreat Center<\/a>
\nSouthern Dharma Retreat Center is a nonprofit educational facility, welcoming a variety of spiritual paths, whose purpose is to offer meditation retreats. Southern Dharma is located in a remote mountainous area of Western North Carolina, an hour northwest of Asheville. Facilities include a meditation hall, dormitory, a private forest hermitage and creekside campsites.<\/p>\n

Spirit Rock Meditation Center<\/a>
\nLocated in Woodacre, California, Spirit Rock is dedicated to the teachings of the Buddha as presented in the vipassana tradition.The practice of mindful awareness, called Insight or Vipassana Meditation, is at the heart of all the activities at Spirit Rock. The Center hosts a full program of ongoing classes, daylong, and residential retreats.<\/p>\n

Springwater Center for Meditative Inquiry and Retreats<\/a>
\nSpringwater Center holds retreats throughout the year on 200 acres of woods, fields and streams in western New York. Retreats are in silence with a non-technical approach to meditation, no ritual, and an entirely optional sitting and walking schedule. Questioning her affiliation with formal Buddhist Zen, Toni Packer left the Rochester Zen Center, where she had been a teacher, with a group of friends in 1981. Springwater was born out of this need to see through the raw material of our everyday lives rather than grapple with traditional koans and practices.<\/p>\n

Stichting Inzichts Meditatie<\/a>
\nThis organization promotes the practice of vipassana meditation in The Netherlands and organizes vipassana meditation retreats with teachers from the East and the West.<\/p>\n

Suan Mokkh<\/a>
\nSuan Mokkh is a forest monastery along the coast of Southern Thailand, 600 km from Bangkok. It was founded in 1932 by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and grew to become the most innovative and progressive Buddhist teaching center in Siam. Although Buddhadasa Bhikkhu has passed away, much of his work continues.<\/p>\n

The Swedish Vipassanagruppen<\/a>
\nVipassanagruppen is a Swedish nonprofit organization for people who are interested in insight meditation. They arrange regular sittings, seminars and retreats.<\/p>\n

Taos Mountain Sangha<\/a>
\nBased in the beautiful mountains and mesas of Northern New Mexico, Taos Mountain Sangha is a small community-based meditation center dedicated to the practice and teaching of Buddhist principles. Under the guidance of Marcia Rose, the community offers group meditations, classes, retreats, talks, and discussions aimed at deepening participants\u2019 practice and understanding.<\/p>\n

Te Moata<\/a>
\nTe Moata is a beautiful retreat centre situated six kilometres north of Tairua, New Zealand, in 850 acres of protected native forest in the heart of the Coromandel peninsula. Te Moata offers regular Insight Meditation Retreats and many other workshops.<\/p>\n

Temple Forest Monastery<\/a>
\nTemple Forest Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in the Thai forest tradition of Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho, located in the small town of Temple, New Hampshire. Its primary purpose is to serve as a place where Buddhist forest monks are able to live, and where those interested can become monks and receive a traditional training. The monastery aims to provide an accessible contemplative sanctuary for anyone interested in this way of life.<\/p>\n

True North Insight<\/a>
\nTrue North Insight (TNI) is a nonprofit center for the practice of insight (vipassana) meditation in English and French in Eastern Canada. TNI\u2019s programming includes residential retreats, day-long retreats, non-residential daily life retreats, and weekly sitting groups in the regions of Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Kingston. TNI is committed to diversity and is guided in all endeavors by the ethics of non-harming, the spirit of loving friendship and compassion, the wisdom of insight, and the truth of liberation.<\/p>\n

Triangle Insight Meditation Community<\/a>
\nWe are an Insight Meditation community located in Durham, NC, founded over ten years ago by three graduates of Spirit Rock\u2019s Community Dharma Leader Program, and a fourth founder who teaches Insight Dialogue. \u00a0(Three of the four founders also are or have been MBSR instructors at Duke Integrative Medicine).<\/p>\n

The Uganda Buddhist Centre<\/a>
\nThe Uganda Buddhist Centre was established on April 10, 2005. This centre was founded by Venerable Buddharakkhita with the dedicated support of a group of pioneering devotees led by Felista Nampiima and Joyce Nakatte. The primary aim of the centre is to spread Buddhism in Uganda and other African countries.<\/p>\n

Vallecitos Mountain Refuge<\/a>
\nThe Vallecitos Mountain Refuge is a wilderness ranch and contemplative retreat center seeking to strengthen and support progressive leaders and advocacy organizations working for social change and the protection of the environment in our society.<\/p>\n

Valley Insight Meditation Society<\/a>
\nValley Insight Meditation Society, based in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont, is a spiritual refuge for all who seek freedom of mind and heart. We offer weekly sitting groups suitable for beginners and more experienced meditators; non-residential retreats; and meditation instruction \u2014 all rooted in the ethics, concentration and wisdom teachings of Insight (Vipassana) Buddhism.<\/p>\n

Vermont Insight Meditation Center<\/a>
\nVermont Insight Meditation Center is a community-based, non-residential center for the practice of Vipassana or Insight meditation, and for the study of Buddhist teachings and mindfulness practice in daily life. We are located at Solar Hill, 229 Western Avenue in Brattleboro, Vermont. Vermont Insight offers a range of study programs and meditation practice opportunities. All are welcome to participate.<\/p>\n

Vipassana Dhura Meditation Society<\/a>
\nAn IMS teacher in the \u201970s, the monk Achan Sobin teaches precision mindfulness. Learn sitting\/walking meditation, the Sixteen Stages of Insight, mindful eating and more.<\/p>\n

Vimalakirti Center in Geneva<\/a>
\nLocated in Geneva, Switzerland, the Vimalakirti Center offers classes in vipassana meditation and other practices within the Buddhist tradition. Its founding teachers are Patricia Genoud-Feldman and Charles Genoud.<\/p>\n

Vipassana Metta Foundation of Maui<\/a>
\nLocated on Maui, the Vipassana Metta Foundation currently conducts regular silent vipassana metta retreats: daylong, weekend, annual two-week (March) and an annual month-long (August). We undertake cultivation of awareness through the traditional practices of generosity, moral conduct, concentration, insight and lovingkindness with the understanding that liberation of the heart brings the greatest happiness which is peace.Our vision includes establishing a small spiritual sanctuary and hermitage for solitary dhamma practice.<\/p>\n

Vipassana Hawaii<\/a>
\nVipassana Hawaii was established in Honolulu in 1984 to support the teachings of classical Buddhism and to make them relevant to the issues of our day. Our teachers currently offer weekly guided sittings, classes for old and new students, individual meditation instruction, and weekend, ten-day and three-week retreats.<\/p>\n

Wat Dhammabucha<\/a>
\nA Theravada Buddhist community serving central and south Texas.<\/p>\n

Westchester Insight Meditation Community<\/a>
\nWestchester Insight Meditation Community (WIMC) began in 1995. Over time, the community has grown to include a variety of teachings and offerings for beginning to experienced students and practitioners, including weekly sittings, bi-monthly sittings, kaly\u0101\u1e47a mitta (spiritual friend) groups, and daylong silent retreats. Its founding teacher is Gina Sharpe.<\/p>\n

The Westcoast Dharma Society<\/a>
\nThe Westcoast Dharma Society was formed in Vancouver, BC, Canada to promote Buddhist meditation practices (primarily Vipassana and Metta) for the benefit of all beings. WDS focuses on retreat management with the specific mandate of bringing senior Western Dharma teachers to Vancouver to lead meditation retreats.<\/p>\n

Western Connecticut Insight Meditation Society<\/a>
\nThe Western Connecticut Insight Meditation Society is a community of Insight Meditators at all stages of practice that gather together on a regular basis to learn, to practice and to provide support, inspiration and fellowship to one another.<\/p>\n

Other locations for a self retreat<\/h2>\n

Buddhayana Forest Retreat, Nova Scotia Canada<\/a>
\nBuddhayana Forest Retreat is a Buddhist meditation retreat center, set in the beautiful mixed hardwood forest of Nova Scotia\u2019s Cobequid Highlands. Our center offers self-directed and self-sufficient temporary, monastic style meditation retreats.<\/p>\n

Temenos, Shutesbury MA<\/a>
\nTemenos is a small retreat and conference center, located on 78 acres on a small mountain in Massachusetts, 25 minutes from Amherst. In our forest setting guests are away from electricity and telephone, taking their water from our well.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery A Buddhist community in Redwood, California, in the tradition of Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Sumedho & Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. Saranaloka Foundation\/Aloka Earth Room\/Aloka Vihara The Saranaloka Foundation\u2019s mission is to empower female monastics to teach and train. Asheville Insight Meditation A meditation community located in Asheville, North Carolina offering\u00a0weekly guided meditation sessions, classes, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":227,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-574","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"Insight Meditation Centers and Communities – Insight Meditation Society<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dharma.org\/resources\/meditation-centers-and-communities\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Insight Meditation Centers and Communities – Insight Meditation Society\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery A Buddhist community in Redwood, California, in the tradition of Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Sumedho & Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. 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