What we’re about
Located in Wenham, MA, The Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation is operated by the Mahasati Insight Meditation Association, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping people reduce suffering through the development of mindfulness and self-awareness. We provide a place for classes and weekly practice, where people can come together to support their meditation practice under the guidance of experienced teachers.
Our mission is to help people develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. The Society does this by providing a serene, contemplative space for the practice of insight meditation, under the gentle and experienced guidance of resident Buddhist monks, and in the context of a supportive community of fellow practitioners. The Society warmly welcomes novice and experienced practitioners of all faiths.
Insight meditation practice at the Center is inspired by the teachings of Thai Buddhist Meditation Master Luangpor Teean, and advocates the following core principles:
The recognition that there are degrees of relief from suffering – up to its total cessation.
The complete cessation of suffering is possible for each of us with diligent practice.
This release from suffering is based on seeing clearly, for oneself, the actions of one’s body and mind in the present moment, and begins with the distinguishing of physical reality from conceptual thought.
The realization of this cessation of suffering is most likely when both formal meditation practice and practice during daily life are supported and combined.
Our practice community avoids ritual and dogma, and does not discourage practice in other spiritual traditions. We aspire to cultivate an atmosphere of openness, gentleness and mutual support.
