Insight Retreat Center

A place of refuge, to abide at ease, for developing samadhi and wisdom, this is a dwelling place for practice — the best of gifts, highly praised by all the Buddhas.

So for those who are wise and care about themselves, let them then build a dwelling place for practice for the learned sages to reside.

They will then teach on the Dhamma, putting all one's sorrows to flight. Having seen the truth, with a heart purified, one then awakens to Nibbana.

The Buddha, Cullavagga 6.1.5

Recent Updates

Insight Meditation Center is planning to set up a small residential retreat center near our home in Redwood City, California. Having our own center would allow us to provide a rich variety of residential programs.

In the Buddhist tradition that all teachings be given freely, or on a dana basis, all our programs and retreats are offered free of charge; we rely solely on the generosity of the community for support. Our commitment is to maintain this tradition at the new center. This opens the possibility of going on retreat to many who could otherwise not afford it.

Recently, we received a gift of $2 million to help realize this long-held dream of having our own retreat center. Due to very high real estate costs in our area, we will need to raise additional funds. If this is something that inspires you and you would like to support it, you can make your tax-deductible donation online.

Insight Meditation Center began in 1986 as a small group meditating together once a week. Today, hundreds of people participate in events at our center throughout the week. Our talks are shared with a world-wide audience through our online Audio Dharma program. We also currently offer residential retreats in rented facilities.