Autumn 2025

Dear Dhamma Friends of Insight Meditation South Bay,

We hope this annual letter finds you well. We know that although every year brings new challenges for each of us, there is always a refuge—we have the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha as a refuge. At IMSB, we aim to be a refuge for all who seek it, and a vital resource for keeping the timeless Dhamma accessible by serving meditators near and far.

Some of our most impactful programs from this year include:

  • Local half-day meditations, offered monthly on Saturdays in Los Altos. This year we hosted a series on the ten fetters that are abandoned with awakening, and seven accomplishments that are precursors to the path.
  • Residential retreats and online courses led by Shaila Catherine and co-sponsored with Bodhi Courses & Retreats. This year our retreats explored Emptiness and the Six Senses, Developing Jhana with the Breath, and Metta and the Jhana factors.
  • Online courses on jhana states and a sutta study course highlighting the similes.
  • A monthly mentoring group that inspires dedicated meditators to sustain deep practice between retreats.
  • An online weekend retreat that created space for bold talk on awakening and spiritual experiences.
  • Collaboration in a research study. In conjunction with selected retreats, we have been working with a research team connected with McGill University to study how intensive meditation shapes the mind and body when practicing mindfulness with breathing, jhana, and metta meditations.

The vibrancy, breadth and accessibility of IMSB’s programs, along with the consistent support for our principal teacher, Shaila Catherine, are direct results of your generosity. This year, we strive to raise $45,000. This essential funding will be used to maintain and enhance our programming, meet our expenses that increase with inflation, and help support our dedicated teacher.

Each donation, no matter the size, has a tangible impact, making it possible to share the transformative teachings of mindfulness, tranquility, and wisdom.

Thank you for being a vital partner promoting wisdom and peace in this world.

With deepest gratitude,

Board of Directors, Insight Meditation South Bay

Cris Tulloch, President
Jared Surnamer, Treasurer
Shaila Catherine, Principal Teacher
Jeff DeLisio, Member

HOW TO DONATE

  • Respond directly to this fundraising appeal by mailing a check to
    Insight Meditation South Bay
    PO Box 490
    Menlo Park, CA 94026
  • Make a contribution through our website.
  • Pledge a recurring donation. Monthly or quarterly recurring gifts help provide a stable stream of revenue throughout the year and enable us to develop a realistic budget for our activities. Recurring donations can be set up through online banking or the donation options on the IMSB website.
  • Leave a legacy to IMSB in your will. Including IMSB in your estate planning is a great way to offer a valuable gift. As a nonprofit incorporated as a church, IMSB can accept gifts of cash, stocks, and real estate properties.

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