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INSIGHT MEDITATION (VIPASSANA)

Insight meditation refers to a spiritual practice shared by all forms of Buddhism and to a particular historical Buddhist tradition. “Insight” and “clear seeing” are common translations of the Pali word vipassana. Developing clear seeing helps people live their lives with growing skillfulness and ease.

As a spiritual practice, insight meditation cultivates mindfulness and equanimity, which foster the deepening of wisdom and compassion, the gateways to liberation from suffering. Though insight meditation comes from the teachings of the Buddha, it is appropriate for people of any spiritual background. The program that we offer is appropriate for experienced meditators as well as beginners.

Our style of practice is associated with Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, MA , and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA . Teachers at these centers have deep histories with Buddhist masters from around the world, particularly from the Theravada traditions of Burma, Thailand and India. They strive to present the teachings accurately in a form accessible to Westerners. There is little ritual involved and our Sangha is respectful, informal and welcoming.

A wide variety of teachings, both recorded and written, is readily available.

Books

These books are accessible to those beginning a practice. For a larger reading list, click here.

A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield

Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzberg

Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach

Seeking the Heart of Wisdom by Joseph Goldstein & Jack Kornfield

Dharma Talks

(downloads in Mp3 format)

Dharma Seed offers recorded Dharma talks from many of the teachers at IMS and Spirit Rock. Though these talks are offered freely, the site is supported by voluntary generosity (dana).

Seattle Insight Meditation Society (SIMS) offers recordings of Dharma talks by guiding teacher, Rodney Smith, and his guest speakers.

For a more extensive list of available talks, click here.

Austin, Texas