Western Insight (IMC) · USA & Canada
Insight Meditation Society (IMS)
Barre, Massachusetts, USA
Founded
1976
Capacity
100 students
Tradition
Western Insight (IMC)
Languages
English
About this center
Founded by Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, and Jack Kornfield — Western-trained teachers in the Mahasi Sayadaw and Burmese forest traditions. Different style from Goenka — incorporates noting practice, walking meditation, dharma talks throughout. Offers 9-day, 3-month, and shorter retreats. Major Western insight-meditation hub.
How to reach
- Nearest airport
- Boston (BOS) — 100 km
- Nearest railway
- Worcester — 30 km
- Climate
- New England — cold winter
- Best season
- April to November
Before you apply
NOT a Goenka center — Western Insight (IMC) lineage. More instruction during retreats, includes walking practice. Fee-based unlike Goenka donation model.
New to Vipassana? Read the full guide before applying — the 10-day course expects you to know what you are committing to.
Apply for a course
Applications go directly to Insight Meditation Society (IMS). Darshya does not handle bookings — the center reviews each applicant personally. The course itself is donation-based (no fee).