Program Update (January 2023)
Since summer 2021 we have gradually restarted in-person gatherings. We are offering a monthly Saturday program in Los Altos, and a once per month Mondayevening sitting group in Mountain View. The Monday program is on hold for Feb–May 2023, likely to resume in June 2023. Our Thursday Programs never resumed after the pandemic. Visit our calendar for a current view of our programs and events.

Monday Drop In Sitting Group in Mountain View

  • 6:45 Doors Open
  • 7:00 Meditation
  • 7:40 Teachings
  • 8:30 Closing

Location:

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church
Edwards Hall
2094 Grant Rd.
Mountain View, CA 94040 map

Insight Meditation South Bay conducts an evening sitting followed by a Dhamma talk or discussion. The weekly meditation group has been meeting since January 2006 and offers a place to calm the mind and learn a breadth of Buddhist teachings with the support of a community of friends. Teachings address a variety of subjects including the refinement of meditation techniques, strategies for working with obstacles in meditation, and the wisdom teachings of the Buddha that lead to spiritual awakening.

The meditation session is usually held in silence; sometimes the meditation is guided or contemplative reflections are suggested. Beginners are welcome to greet the teacher before the silence begins and request instructions. Folding chairs are provided and the floor is carpeted. If you prefer to sit on the floor, please bring your own mat, sitting cushion, or sitting bench.

Shaila Catherine and guest teachers offer teachings dedicated to awakening wisdom, cultivating clarity and mindful attention, and opening to the natural joy of a calm mind.

Visit the Events Calendar for information about specific events.

Thursday Dhamma Classes in Saratoga-San Jose

Note: This Thursday program remains cancelled and has not been restored since it was closed due to the pandemic in 2020.

  • 7:00  Doors open
  • 7:15  Class program
  • 9:00  Closing

Location:

Westhope Presbyterian Church
12850 Saratoga Ave
Saratoga CA 95070  map
Just 2 blocks off Highway 85 at the Saratoga Avenue exit. At the edge of San Jose.

This Thursday evening meditation program serving San Jose-Saratoga-Cupertino-Los Gatos began in January 2015, initially as a sitting group that emphasized the development of mindfulness meditation practices. In 2017 the program developed into a dhamma classroom offering in-depth courses throughout the year on the development of mindfulness skills, compassion and loving kindness trainings, and Buddhist teachings.

The courses are designed to enable groups of meditators to delve deeply into topics related to mindfulness, concentration, meditation, and Buddhism with the guidance of local experts and teachers. Beginners will find valuable introductory meditation courses, and advanced practitioners will appreciate the wide array of inspiring and informative topics.

For more information visit Thursday Meditation Group.

Course Topics Include:

  • Cultivating Mindfulness
  • Developing a Kind Heart of Compassion and Loving Kindness
  • Strategies for Establishing a Strong Daily Practice
  • Overcoming Obstacles to Meditation
  • Fundamental Buddhist Principles
  • Awakening with Aging, Illness, and Death
  • Social Action and the Dhamma
  • Strategies for Overcoming Distraction and Restless Thinking
  • Explorations of Right Speech
  • Mindfulness in the Workplace
  • Cultivating Tranquility and Concentration
  • Working with Emotions in Meditation
  • Ethics, Actions, and Virtue
  • Cultivating Joy
  • Emptiness
  • Liberating Reflections On Death

Visit the Events Calendar for dates and more information about particular courses.

Details:

  • Everyone is welcome to drop in and meditate with us on Mondays in Mountain View. Check the Event Calendar for more information.
  • Beginners: If you are new to meditation, have questions, or seek support in establishing your meditation practice please see our Beginner’s Orientation page.
  • Chairs are provided. Bring a sitting mat and cushion if you prefer to sit on the floor. The floors in Mountain View and Saratoga are hardwood.
  • Participants customarily offer support through voluntary donations (dana). The livelihood of our principal teacher, compensation for guest teachers, and IMSB operational expenses are provided through the generosity of participants. Bowls will be available for contributions: one bowl for the teacher and one bowl for the organization’s expenses.
    Insight Meditation South Bay is recognized as a charitable organization by both the State of California and the IRS under section 501 (c) (3). For other ways you can express your generosity in support of IMSB, please see the information on dana, or contact treasurer.
  • Both sites (San Jose-Saratoga, and Mountain View) are on the ground floor. The meeting room is accessible by wheelchair, but the bathrooms are only partially accessible.
  • You are invited to join the mailing list to receive announcements for upcoming events.
  • For more info, contact sit. For questions visit Frequently Asked Questions.

Volunteering at IMSB:

IMSB activites are organized by volunteers. There are many ways you can help at IMSB. You can sign up online or contact volunteer to get involved.