A community-based urban refuge for insight meditation, supported entirely by donations and volunteers. This guide is compiled from the center's own published information; we have not visited, and it is not a review.
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The place
Insight Meditation Center (IMC) describes itself as a community-based, urban refuge for the teachings and practice of insight meditation, also known as mindfulness or vipassana meditation. It began in 1986 as a gathering of people who met to learn and deepen their mindfulness practice, was incorporated in 1997 and bought its current location in 2001.
Teachers and programmes
- The guiding teachers are Gil Fronsdal and Andrea Fella.
- A weekly schedule of meditation sessions, dharma talks and yoga classes.
- Introductory classes in mindfulness meditation, youth programmes, affinity groups and year-long study programmes.
- Residential retreats through its Insight Retreat Center in Santa Cruz, California.
Free, by donation
IMC says it does not require payment for any teachings, programmes or events. Teachers and expenses are supported by voluntary donations, and all the work of running the center is done by volunteers. See what dana means and how to donate.
Weekday mornings
Its calendar lists a livestreamed weekday sit, 7:00 to 7:45 am: a lightly guided 30-minute meditation and a brief discussion of a dharma topic that develops through the week, broadcast live and recorded on YouTube.
Before you go
- Read mindfulness vs vipassana and your first retreat.
- See other places on the Bay Area page.
- Check the schedule on the center's own site.
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