What to Expect at a Meditation Class

I feel extremely blessed to have a place to meet weekly in person surrounded by others in the community.

~ Sangha member

Create a space in your life for regular mediation practice. IMCW offers Insight meditation classes weekly, biweekly or monthly by over 50 IMCW teachers in D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia to support your practice.

IMCW welcomes people from all walks of life. The IMCW sangha (community) is about working to create a Buddhist life of belonging, safety, and generosity towards each other—it’s about having a spiritual home.

Most are offered on a dana (donation) basis; registration is encouraged for others. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. You will want to wear comfortable clothing if possible. Please read our article on “Meditation Etiquette” for how to be mindful in class.

American Sign Language/ASL interpreting can be offered by IMCW at up to two classes each month. With advanced notice assistive listening devices can be available at some retreats.

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION CLASSES

Our introductory classes are available in different formats, such as a single class, half-day or four-part weekly series. They explore, in varying depths, the purpose of meditation and the practice of Vipassana (Insight or mindfulness) meditation. Basic elements of Vipassana include quieting the mind with a concentrated focus on the breath (or other “anchor”) and awakening a mindful and compassionate awareness of all dimensions of our experience. 

These classes included guided meditation and a dharma talk. Registration is encouraged for some of the introductory classes; others are offered on a dana (donation) basis.

ONGOING CLASSES: WEEKLY, MONTHLY

IMCW ongoing classes offer instruction in Buddhist meditation and talks on the awakening of our natural love and wisdom. While the meditation practices derive from the Buddhist tradition, they are universal in orientation and address spiritual themes of concern to all contemplative traditions.

Ongoing classes generally offer 30-40 minutes of guided meditation, followed by a dharma talk. These classes are all offered on a dana (donation) basis.

Find IMCW’s drop-in classes here.

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