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
Offered by Insight Santa Cruz
Quaker Center, Ben Lomond, CA
August 23 to 29, 2025 – Hours: Sunday check-in at 3:00 p.m. End time: Friday 11:30 a.m.
Join us to explore key dimensions of the Dharma that support developing inspiration, wisdom, and inner strength. This retreat will take place immersed in the beauty of the ancient redwoods. Our exploration will be within the container of a silent Insight Meditation retreat which includes alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, Dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussions with the teachers. This retreat is suitable for all people with a regular mindfulness meditation practice, including newcomers to residential retreat and experienced practitioners.
The retreat location, the Quaker Center of Ben Lomond, is a rustic retreat center that includes double rooms, campsites, and a beautiful walk uphill to the meditation hall.
This retreat is offered on a Dana basis by Insight Santa Cruz, with the opportunity to support by offering to the teachers and the center. Registration has opened. APPLY ONLINE here.