Insight Meditation Community of Washington

The Insight Meditation Community of Washington is a spiritual community teaching and practicing Vipassana meditation. (IMCW) emerged out of classes in Buddhist Insight Meditation (vipassana) taught by Tara Brach at the River Road Unitarian Church in Bethesda, Maryland in 1996. Tara's weekly, Wednesday night class now attracts 200-300 people. She is the author of Radical Acceptance, Embracing Your Life with the Heart of A Buddha and teaches throughout the country. Tara is one of the founders of the Washington Buddhist Peace Fellowship and trains new Dharma teachers through the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader. IMCW is a vibrant and growing lay led community offering an extensive program of retreats and classes including: several week-long and weekend residential meditation retreats each year, a collection of day-long opportunities for practice, a wide range of other classes, as well as a program that host distinguished nationally known guest teachers.

In addition to Tara's Bethesda class, there are regular weekly classes in several DC locations, Takoma Park and Falls Church and Fredrick, MD. There are over 30 Kalyana Mitta (spiritual friends) groups throughout the metropolitan area, a mentoring program, a monthly class for experienced practioners and another for new meditators. Information about IMCW and its' programs is available on an up to date website, through several email newsletters and the fall and spring Awakening Mind Calendar.

IMCW has a strong commitment to the nurturing and growth of spiritual community (sangha). The community and its' offerings are supported by an administrative staff of two, a very active volunteer program and strong lay leadership from the Board of Director and the 14 members Teacher's Counsel.

IMCW aspires to make the benefits of mindfulness and spiritual practice more available to children and teens and underserved communities. The sangha continues to experience creative and dynamic growth, is inclusive, and very warmly welcomes the participation of all interested persons.