Buddha

For Beginners

There is no cost for classes, events and retreats at IMC. Donations are welcome. No pre-registration is required unless otherwise stated.

For a calendar of retreats and all other events at IMC, see the IMC Calendar

Basic Meditation Instruction


Every Thursday, 6:15 - 7:15 pm
First Monday of each month, 6:15 - 7:15 pm
First Thursday of each month, 10:30 - 11:30 am

These classes are taught by experienced meditation students. Attending once or twice is helpful in beginning a meditation practice.

Upcoming Events


Beginners’ Practice Group

Wednesdays, February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 7:30 to 9pm

This series is for those beginners who have taken a basic mindfulness meditation instruction class and would like to take the next step in building and supporting their practice.  Come to this six-week discussion group on developing mindfulness practice.  There will be a 20 minute sitting, a review of the basic teachings, and lots of discussion.  The class will review the basic instructions in mindfulness meditation, discuss the five hindrances to meditation, and there will be an introduction to the Four Noble Truths. For those who have been practicing from one day to 6 months.

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Taught by Andrea Fella

Five Wednesday Evenings
March 24 to April 21, 2010, 7:30 to 9pm

Insight Meditation or Vipassana, is a simple technique, beginning with focusing the attention on the breath. The practice concentrates and calms the mind. At the heart of Insight Meditation is the practice of Mindfulness, a practice of moment-to-moment observation which cultivates a clear, stable and non-judgmental awareness. While mindfulness practice can be highly effective in helping bring calm and clarity to the pressures of daily life, it is also a spiritual path that gradually dissolves the barriers to the full development of our wisdom and compassion.

During this introductory course, the basic instructions in insight meditation will be given sequentially, starting with a focus on mindfulness of breathing, followed by mindfulness of the body, of emotions, of thoughts, of mind and of the application of mindfulness in daily life and on retreats.

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Taught by Ines Freedman

Five Wednesday Evenings

June 13 to July 14, 2010, 7:30 to 9pm

Insight Meditation or Vipassana, is a simple technique, beginning with focusing the attention on the breath. The practice concentrates and calms the mind. At the heart of Insight Meditation is the practice of Mindfulness, a practice of moment-to-moment observation which cultivates a clear, stable and non-judgmental awareness. While mindfulness practice can be highly effective in helping bring calm and clarity to the pressures of daily life, it is also a spiritual path that gradually dissolves the barriers to the full development of our wisdom and compassion.

During this introductory course, the basic instructions in insight meditation will be given sequentially, starting with a focus on mindfulness of breathing, followed by mindfulness of the body, of emotions, of thoughts, of mind and of the application of mindfulness in daily life and on retreats. No pre-registration necessary.

Ines Freedman first became interested in meditation through her yoga practice in 1970. She has been practicing Buddhist meditation since 1985, with Gil Fronsdal being her primary teacher since 1995.  She is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader Program and a past Managing Director of Insight Meditation Center. She directs and teaches the Audiodharma Online Meditation Course, and serves on the IMC Chaplaincy council. She is a retired chiropractor.

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation with Ines Freedman

Saturday, July 24, 2010, 9:30am – 4:30pm

Introducing the basic practice of mindfulness, with direction in mindfulness of the breath, body, emotions, thoughts, walking and eating. There will sitting and walking meditation and discussion. Suitable for both beginners and those wanting to review the basics of practice. Bring lunch.

Ines Freedman first became interested in meditation through her yoga practice in 1970. She has been practicing Buddhist meditation since 1985, with Gil Fronsdal being her primary teacher since 1995. She is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader Program and a past Managing Director of Insight Meditation Center. She directs and teaches the Audiodharma Online Meditation Course, and serves on the IMC Chaplaincy council. She is a retired chiropractor.

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation with Gil Fronsdal

Six Wednesday Evenings

October 6 to November 10, 2010, 7:30 to 9pm

Insight Meditation or Vipassana, is a simple technique, beginning with focusing the attention on the breath. The practice concentrates and calms the mind. At the heart of Insight Meditation is the practice of Mindfulness, a practice of moment-to-moment observation which cultivates a clear, stable and non-judgmental awareness. While mindfulness practice can be highly effective in helping bring calm and clarity to the pressures of daily life, it is also a spiritual path that gradually dissolves the barriers to the full development of our wisdom and compassion. During this introductory course, the basic instructions in insight meditation will be given sequentially, starting with a focus on mindfulness of breathing, followed by mindfulness of the body, of emotions, of thoughts, of mind and of the application of mindfulness in daily life and on retreats. No pre-registration necessary.

More Programs at IMC


More information about programs at IMC can be found on the Programs Overview.