We take whatever will help us grow under the conditions of modern Western life. Many regular activities are held there, including Introductory courses in Buddhism, invited talks from monks all over the world, and meditation classes lead by experienced teachers. The Insight Meditation Society was founded in 1975 as a nonprofit organization to provide a place for the intensive practice of insight meditation. IMS operates a retreat center set on 80 wooded acres in the quiet country of central Massachusetts. It provides a secluded environment for intensive meditation practice.
Complete silence is maintained during retreats at all times except during teacher interviews.
This practice originates in the Theravada tradition of the teachings of the Buddha. Learning to observe experiences from a place of stillness enables one to relate to life with less fear and clinging. Seeing life as a constantly changing process, one begins to accept pleasure and pain, fear and joy, and all aspects of life with increasing equanimity and balance. As insight deepens, wisdom and compassion arise. Insight meditation is a way of seeing clearly the totality of one's being and experience.