Insight Retreat Center
The Insight Retreat Center (IRC) is IMC’s community-based retreat center just outside of Santa Cruz, CA. We offer silent meditation retreats throughout the year primarily focused on insight meditation (Vipassana) and the liberation teachings of the Buddha.
IRC is entirely supported by a wide community of practitioners, volunteers and donors whose generosity is the foundation for the center. With no paid staff, the running of our retreats expresses the integration of the practice, service and goodwill of our volunteers.
Retreats at IRC are offered freely, as gifts to those who attend. This means there is no cost for retreats. Donations by those who attend our retreats make it possible to pass this gift forward to others who come to IRC.
Please see the [Insight Retreat Center] website for a schedule and more information.
Offsite IRC retreats by IMC Trained Teachers
Since 2024, IRC has started to offer retreats with IMC teachers in other locations. We call these off-site retreats. These are listed on IRC’s website here.
Non-IMC Retreats Organized and Taught by IMC Trained Teachers
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Awake and at Ease: A Non-residential, Hybrid, Weekend Retreat
With Marjolein Janssen and Dawn Neal
March 20-22, 2026: Friday 7-9pm, Saturday 9:30-5pm, Sunday 9:30-3pm (optional social time for in-person participants afterwards).
Registration and more information here.
This hybrid non-residential weekend retreat aims to cultivate relaxation, awareness, and insight. We will explore how open, relaxed awareness can naturally reveal the patterns and conditionings that shape our experience. By approaching our practice with relaxed interest, we create space for experience to unfold simply and naturally, allowing wisdom to emerge in its own time.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Burmese monk Sayadaw U Tejaniya, we will explore how this relaxed approach to mindfulness supports both beginners and experienced practitioners alike. With this approach, wisdom becomes more accessible, helping us to gain deeper insight into our own hearts and minds.
Throughout the weekend, there will be Dharma talks, periods of sitting and walking meditation, and time for questions and sharing.
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4-Day Insight Retreat with Dawn Neal
Quaker Center, Ben Lomond, CA
April 9-12, 2026: Thursday check-in at 2:00 p.m. End time: Sunday 11:30 a.m.
Registration is open! Apply online here.
Please join Dawn Neal and the Insight Santa Cruz community for a residential retreat at the rustic and beautiful Quaker Center in Ben Lomond, California.
In this short Dana residential retreat, we will explore ways to cultivate an open, steady heart and mind. Over these days, we will engage in heart practices such as metta (goodwill or lovingkindness), and mindfulness of the body, supported by the majestic Redwood forest around us.
Participants will need to traverse a steep hill to access the meditation hall. All rooms are shared doubles. Limited camping or camping van spots are available.
This retreat is appropriate for those new to retreat practice, as well as experienced practitioners.