Insight Meditation Society

Established in 1976, Insight Meditation Society (IMS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating a community of mindful, compassionate, and wise individuals. Our mission is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where students can deepen their practice of meditation, explore the teachings of the Buddha, and cultivate a sense of loving-kindness and compassion.

Our History

IMS was founded by Josephine Matthews, a devoted student of meditation and Buddhism. In the early 1970s, Josephine and her fellow students began studying the teachings of the Buddha, and soon discovered the profound benefits of mindfulness and compassion. Inspired by their experiences, they founded IMS to share these teachings with others.

Our Services

At IMS, we offer a range of services designed to support the development of mindful, compassionate, and wise individuals. Our retreats, taught by experienced meditation teachers, provide a supportive environment for students to deepen their practice, explore the teachings of the Buddha, and cultivate loving-kindness and compassion.

Our retreats are designed to accommodate a range of needs and interests. From our Introduction to Meditation retreat to our month-long retreat at our Forest Refuge, we offer a range of programs to suit your needs. Our retreats are structured to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for students to deepen their practice and explore the teachings of the Buddha.

Generosity and Dana

Generosity is the first of the ten paramis, or qualities of character, that the Buddha taught his students to cultivate. The practice of generosity develops loving-kindness and compassion, deepens awareness of our interconnectedness, and encourages non-attachment. We encourage students to practice dana, or generosity, by donating to support the IMS community and to support the development of mindful, compassionate, and wise individuals.

Online Programs and Resources

In addition to our in-person retreats, we offer a range of online programs and resources. Our IMS Online Sanghas provide a supportive and welcoming environment for students to practice meditation and explore the teachings of the Buddha. Our IMS Online FAQ and Guidance page offer a wealth of information and guidance for students to deepen their practice and explore the teachings of the Buddha.

Get Involved

We encourage you to get involved with IMS and our community of mindful, compassionate, and wise individuals. Volunteer opportunities are available at our retreat centers and online. We also offer a range of ways to support our community, including financial donations, volunteering, and attending our retreats and online programs.