The intention to not cause harm lies at the heart of Buddhist ethical and spiritual life. The commitment to non-harming leads to a life committed to not killing, which is the first of the five precepts undertaken by Buddhists the world over. The first precept has implications in many areas of our lives, some personal and others societal. Close to home it may relate to such issues as eating meat, hunting, having firearms, self-defense, and pest-management. Both at personal and…

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Unhindered: A Mindful Path Through the Five Hindrances   Gil Fronsdal’s new book is now available. It can be ordered through Amazon and maybe available through special order at a local bookstore.  It provides a detailed discussion of each of the five hindrances.  These are the mental states that present the most common obstacles to meditation.  As such, all meditators should become familiar with the hindrances and how to work with them. The book provides instruction on how to turn the…

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The January-March 2014 IMC Newsletter is now available.

The Spring 2014 IRC Newsletter is now available.

The Fall 2013 IRC Newsletter is now available.

The October-December 2013 IMC Newsletter is now available.

As part of IMC efforts to lower our environmental impact we are currently fundraising with a goal of $15,000 to install a solar water heater at our retreat center, the Insight Retreat Center.  This is currently one of the most significant steps we can take to lower our propane usage (and our ongoing expenses). Helping us install a solar water heater is a way to support IRC well into the future. If you are interested in supporting our drive, either…

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During the first week of October, Insight Meditation teachers and centers around the globe will be celebrating Earth-Care Week. This is a newly minted event arising out of the International Vipassana Teachers’ meeting at Spirit Rock in June. It was one response from the teachers to a letter signed by over 2,000 people requesting that teachers provide “guidance and leadership in addressing the issue of climate change.” With seeds planted this year we hope EarthCare Week will become a significant…

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For the second year, IMC is offering an eight-month one-to-one mentoring program supporting individuals’ practice with the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path represents the heart of the Buddhist path of practice. Those who sign up for this eight-month program will have the chance to explore, with one of IMC’s seasoned, senior practitioners,  their relationship to the teachings and practices associated with each of the step the Eightfold Path.  Mentoring meetings will be once a month for an hour.  They will consist of a brief…

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The July-September 2013 IMC Newsletter is now available.

Many volunteers have come to our new Insight Retreat Center (IRC) in Santa Cruz to help with gardening, maintenance, cleaning, cooking, office work and other tasks. They have provided not only the indispensable contributions that our all-volunteer center is built on, but have also become part of the growing community associated with it. We are very grateful for the continuing support of our volunteers. If you are interested in becoming part of the volunteer community at IRC, please click here:…

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Begins Sunday, January 20, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Future meetings will be held on 3rd Sunday of the month from 7:00pm – 8:30pm Description We are entering the world, ready or not—meeting the challenges of school and work, relationships and intimacy, and finding meaning and purpose as independent adults. The perfect place to practice is right here where we are.This will be an open and ongoing group, meeting monthly, and addressing themes relevant to the lives of twentysomethings and thirtysomethings who…

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