Shaila Catherine
Founder & Principal Teacher

Shaila Catherine has been practicing meditation since 1980, with seven years of accumulated silent retreat experience. Shaila studied at the Sharpham College for Buddhist Studies in England and dedicated several years (1990-1996) to studying with masters in India, Nepal and Thailand.  She has trained with such luminaries as H. W. L. Poonja, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, and PaAuk Sayadaw. Shaila's current focus is the development of concentration and the deep states of absorption called jhana. She completed a one-year intensive meditation retreat focused on jhana as the basis for insight (2003-2004) at Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts. Shaila founded Insight Meditation South Bay in California in 2006 to bring a continuity of Dhamma teachings to the south and west bay region. She is the author of the book Focused and Fearless: A Meditator’s Guide to States of Deep Joy, Calm, and Clarity, from Wisdom Publications.

Interview with Shaila Catherine

While teaching in New Zealand in 2006, Shaila was interviewed for INSIGHTAotera, a publication for New Zealand's insight meditation practioners and communities. Read the interview.

Endorsement From Christopher Titmuss

Shaila brings a wealth of personal experience to the Dharma that exceeds teachers who are a generation older than herself. As a dedicated practitioner of Dharma, she spent several years in India and Thailand to deepen her experience, her meditations and her understanding of the core issues of life. Shaila has never been one to rest on the past. Like yogis of old, she loves entering into extensive periods of silence and personal retreat. Such commitment gives her voice enormous authority. I would encourage everyone, from the complete beginner to the most seasoned meditator and mind/body professional to listen to the teachings and guidance of Shaila.

Guest Teachers

Insight Meditation South Bay hosts an array of guest speakers for the purpose of broadening our understanding of awakening. We at IMSB deeply appreciate the teachings contributed by distinguished teachers of the Theravadan tradition, the atmosphere of open inquiry created by speakers from the Zen and Tibetan traditions, the inspired contributions of local practitioners, and the myriad facets of wisdom offered by a variety of local researchers and guests who offer their expertise and insight on specific topics. You can find biographies for some of our regular guest teachers on the Movement Practices page.