The Insight Meditation Center is delighted to announce that we have purchased a property for our new retreat center! The building sits on 2.8 beautifully landscaped acres in a quiet semi-rural residential area of Scotts Valley, CA less than an hour drive from our center in Redwood City. We are in the process of renovating the 20,000 square ft. building to convert it into a retreat center.

We seek contributions to complete the renovation and for start up costs.  We have taken a $500K construction loan so as to be able to proceed. Contributions support the following:

• Create private rooms for 40 retreatants and a restroom and shower facility.
• Create a meditation hall, walking-meditation area, offices and interview rooms inside the existing building.
• Renovate the kitchen and dining room.
• Incorporate solar energy, water conservation methods, and drought-tolerant native landscape.
• Fulfill county requirements for additional parking and upgrading the septic system.
• Purchase start up essentials such as beds and bedding, window coverings, chairs, dining room & kitchen essentials, office equipment, etc…
• Purchase the adjoining 38-acre forest preserve and create walking trails and contemplation areas.

Retreats Offered Freely: Dana is the Buddhist word for giving. It is in the spirit of generosity that the Insight Meditation Center (IMC) continues a 2500-year-old Buddhist tradition of providing the teachings freely to all who are interested. Just as IMC is supported, the Retreat Center will also be supported by donations, volunteers, participants, and other gifts of generosity, allowing us to continue to offer our retreats freely without cost and to teach the Dharma in a field of goodwill.

Volunteer Program: We plan to create a program for our volunteer staff that will offer a rich environment to study the Dharma, meditate, and practice the path of service.

We took possession of the property on June 1st, 2011. The renovation began April 1, 2012.  We hope to complete the renovation by October and hold our first retreats before the end of 2012.

Fundraising Progress Our goal is to raise $2.3 million. We have raised $1.7 million and have a $500K construction loan. Thank you for your support. Updates IRC Update March 2012 IRC Newsletter available Dharma Movie Night at IRC

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