Beginners are always welcome to attend Insight Meditation South Bay.

We offer several programs designed to introduce beginning meditators to the fundamentals of mindfulness and to support beginners as they establish their own meditation discipline.

When newcomers are present we are happy to offer guided meditations - otherwise we meditate in silence. If you would appreciate the guidance, please introduce yourself to the teacher before the meditation session begins. We will be happy to include instructions.

A special Beginner's Orientation and Instruction is offered the first Tuesday of the month immediately before the regular weekly sitting.

Basic meditation instruction is included in the article Vipassana Practice

Mentorship & Orientation

Newcomers who have questions or seek support in establishing a meditation practice may contact our mentors:
Adam Winkler: 650-627-9416, adam_winkleryahoo.com
Margaret Gainer: 408-265-3377, md_gaineratt.net

These mentors have many years of meditation experience. They can orient newcomers to IMSB and support the practice of Insight Meditation.

IMSB periodically offers the following courses specifically for beginners:

Introduction to Mindfulness (Level 1)

At least once a year we offer a 6-week course that introduces the fundamental techniques of mindfulness based on the traditional Buddhist method known as mindfulness with breathing (anapannasati in the Pali language).

Mindfulness refers to the capacity to be aware and present to our present moment experience. Training in mindfulness produces a clear, alert, and deep presence. This level one course introduces meditation techniques that develop the ability to focus and bring balanced attention to all aspects of experience. The course includes home exercises that support the establishment of a daily meditation routine, refine the traditional technique of mindfulness with breathing, and reinforce balanced awareness in work and home life.

Strenghthening Mindfulness (Level 2)

Mindfulness is the ability to bring clear awareness to our present moment experience. Although there is no prerequisite for this level 2 course, it builds on the introductory instructions covered in Level 1. In level 2 we deepen the ease of breathing, refine our intention, enhance awareness of subtle feelings and difficult emotions, apply mindfulness at home and in the workplace, and experience how meditation leads to inner peace and freedom from suffering.

Non-residential Intensive for Beginners

We offer periodic nonresidential retreat programs to offer beginners the experience of a simple retreat format with practical instruction in Insight Meditation (Vipassana). The meditation instructions guide participants through a direct method for investigating present moment experience to free the mind from habits that perpetuate distraction and agitation. We practice sitting and walking meditation in alternating periods throughout the day, building a momentum of awareness of breath, body and the processes of heart and mind. This continuity of practice allows craving, judgment, and fear to fall away, revealing the natural spaciousness of a mind imbued with wisdom, calm, and joy. The retreat format combines basic meditation instructions, with individual consultations with the teacher, as a means to deeply explore a liberating awareness.