Introductory Meditation Classes
About Insight Meditation
Insight meditation also known as mindfulness or vipassana meditation comes from the Buddhist tradition. It aims to free the mind from the distortions of self-centeredness, negativity, and confusion. Seeing life as a constantly changing process, one begins to accept pleasure and pain, fear and joy, and all aspects of life with increasing balance and equanimity. This balanced awareness, grounded in the present moment, leads to stillness and a growing understanding of the nature of life. Out of this seeing emerges wisdom and compassion.
It is a moment-to-moment investigation of the mind and body process. Our experience is explored from a balanced and spacious awareness which allows the heart to flower in love. During these six weeks there will be meditation instructions, talks about the philosophy of the practice, homework assignments, and time for discussion and questions.
Introductory Meditation classes are taught 4 times per year.
Take an Online Self-Guided Meditation Class
SIMS offers three Introduction to Insight Meditation online courses, taught by SIMS Guiding Teachers Tim Geil and Tuere Sala and Founding Teacher Rodney Smith. These courses provide the same instruction as the in-person course, without teacher support. See our New to Meditation page for links.
Ongoing Meditation and Dharma Talks
Once you’ve taken the introductory meditation class, or if you’ve received similar instruction in Insight Meditation elsewhere, we invite you to attend one or more of our weekly meditation gatherings. They consist of a meditation followed by a dharma talk and group discussion. For more information, click here.