The history and impact of the Insight Meditation Society
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn what the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) is, when it was founded, who founded it, and where retreats are held. Plus, the impact of IMS on Western meditation.
One of the greatest things about meditation (aside from its many emotional and mental health benefits) is that there’s no right or wrong way to practice. You might be the type of person who loves escaping for a weekend meditation retreat, or you might be someone who sneaks in a 15 minute session on your lunch break or right before bed.
But, decision fatigue is real, and having endless ways to practice meditation may also mean that some folks don’t know how to get started. It can be confusing to know which types of meditation practices might work best for you, your schedule, and your goals. If you feel overwhelmed by all the options but are still hoping to deepen your practice, you might benefit from a little guidance.
The Insight Meditation Society (IMS), located in rural Massachusetts, is one of the most well-respected meditation facilities in the Western world. Since it was founded nearly 50 years ago, IMS has helped bring the benefits of meditation to thousands through its retreats, programs, and community support.
What is the Insight Meditation Society?
In the 1970s, interest in meditation was growing in the Western world, but there weren’t many places to learn and practice. To meet the growing need, three well-known, experienced meditation teachers founded IMS as a place for people to come together.
The Insight Meditation Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of Buddhism, rooted in the Theravada tradition, but believes in sharing practices that are universal. Their teachings focus on Vipassana, or insight, meditation as well as Metta, or Loving-kindness, practices.
IMS was founded on the principle that practicing meditation in a group can enhance individual efforts and provide a sense of belonging. As a result, they offer retreats, programs, and workshops that bring people together to meditate, share experiences, and support each other. IMS also offers online resources, such as recorded talks and guided meditations.
When was the Insight Meditation Society founded?
The Insight Meditation Society was founded in 1975, when interest in Eastern spiritual practices was growing in the West. The Retreat Center opened the next year, offering courses and guided meditation getaways. In 1989, IMS expanded and opened the Forest Refuge — a center for experienced meditators seeking longer retreats. Recently, IMS has also started offering online programs, making its teachings accessible to people around the world.
Who founded the Insight Meditation Society?
Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, and Joseph Goldstein, three highly respected meditation teachers, founded the IMS over their shared vision of bringing meditation to the world.
Sharon Salzberg: Best known for her work on loving-kindness meditation, Salzberg has been teaching meditation since 1974. She has written several books on meditation and mindfulness, including the best-selling Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness, and is also known for her work on resilience.
Jack Kornfield: Trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand, Burma, and India before returning to the United States, Kornfield is a leading figure in bringing mindfulness and Vipassana meditation to the West. He’s a prolific author—A Path with Heart and The Wise Heart are two of his most popular books—and he’s also the co-founder of several meditation centers. Kornfield’s teachings blend mindfulness with compassion, and promote living with awareness and integrity.
Joseph Goldstein: A respected teacher in the Vipassana tradition, Goldstein studied under several prominent meditation masters and has written many books on meditation and mindfulness, including Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening. His teachings focus on developing insight through mindfulness and helping people understand their minds and experiences better.
Where are Insight Meditation Society retreats held?
Most Insight Meditation Society retreats are held in Barre, Massachusetts, where IMS centers provide a peaceful and supportive environment for deepening meditation practice.
The IMS Retreat Center
From weekend programs to three-month courses, the IMS Retreat Center is designed for beginners and experienced meditators and provides a structured environment for intensive practice. Participants benefit from guided meditations, teachings from experienced instructors, and a supportive community.
The serene setting and well-maintained facilities enhance the retreat experience, allowing people to focus on their practice without distractions.
The Forest Refuge
The Forest Refuge is a separate space designed for experienced meditators seeking longer, more intensive retreats. It offers a tranquil and secluded environment for deep, sustained practice where advanced meditators can immerse themselves in meditation for extended periods—often with minimal guidance—to nurture deeper insight.
Where else can I access IMS?
If you’re not able to go to Barre, don’t worry — IMS also offers courses online. These include guided meditations, recorded talks, and interactive sessions with teachers. Given the wide range of offerings, most people can find a program that suits them.
The impact of Insight Meditation Society on Western meditation practice
IMS has been a leading influence in introducing and popularizing mindfulness and insight meditation in the Western world. Its retreats, courses, and workshops have provided thousands of people with the chance to learn and practice mindfulness and meditation.
Today, mindfulness and meditation practices are commonly used in healthcare, therapy, education, and workplaces, thanks in part to the principles taught at organizations like IMS.
Notable teachers and teachings
Aside from the founders, other notable teachers associated with IMS include Tara Brach, known for her teachings on self-compassion and mindfulness, and Jon Kabat-Zinn, who created the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program. These teachers have helped to advance the understanding and use of mindfulness and insight meditation.
Contributions to research and education
IMS collaborates with researchers and academic institutions to explore the effects of meditation on the brain, behavior, and overall wellbeing. These studies contribute to the growing body of research on meditation and its benefits and provide scientific validation for the practices taught at IMS.
Educational initiatives at the foundation, such as teacher training programs, ensure the knowledge and skills associated with mindfulness and insight meditation are passed to future generations of teachers and meditators.
Insight meditation society FAQs
What types of meditation are taught at the Insight Meditation Society?
At the Insight Meditation Society, the main types of meditation taught are insight (Vipassana) meditation and loving-kindness (metta) meditation.
Insight meditation: This involves focusing on the present moment, observing thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations with an attitude of openness and curiosity. This may help you develop a clear and calm mind, improve awareness, and regulate your emotions.
Loving-kindness meditation: This is about cultivating feelings of goodwill, kindness, and compassion toward yourself and others. The goal is to open your heart and build a sense of connection with yourself and others and develop empathy.
Is Vipassana the same as insight meditation?
Vipassana is another term for insight meditation. The word "Vipassana" comes from the Pali language and means "clear seeing" or "insight." This form of meditation focuses on developing a deep understanding of the nature of reality through mindful observation of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
By practicing Vipassana, meditators may cultivate awareness and insight into the impermanent, selfless nature of all things. It can help you gain a clearer perspective on your experiences, which may lead to greater wisdom and inner peace.
What is a 10-day Vipassana retreat?
During a 10-day Vipassana retreat, you practice continuous insight meditation for 10 days straight. You might follow a deep and immersive schedule that includes long periods of silent meditation, guided instructions, and daily talks from experienced teachers.
The retreat often involves noble silence — meaning, you refrain from speaking, reading, writing, or using electronic devices. This can help create a focused environment to deepen concentration and introspection. Many people on a 10-day Vipassana retreat aim to cultivate a profound level of mindfulness, enabling them to experience significant personal transformation and growth. It is often a challenging, but rewarding, experience.
Can beginners attend retreats at the Insight Meditation Society?
Beginners are welcome at the Insight Meditation Society. In fact, there are a variety of retreats designed to meet the needs of anyone, regardless of their experience level — including those new to meditation.
To help newcomers understand the basics of mindfulness and insight meditation, beginner retreats typically provide more guidance and instruction. They often include introductory talks, guided meditation sessions, and opportunities to ask questions. The personalized support from experienced teachers helps beginners develop a solid foundation in their meditation practice.
What is the difference between the Retreat Center and the Forest Refuge at IMS?
The IMS Retreat Center and the Forest Refuge are both part of IMS, but they cater to practitioners of different levels of experience.
The IMS Retreat Center offers a wide range of retreats, from weekend programs to three-month courses, suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. These provide a structured environment with guided meditations, talks, and group practice sessions, making them ideal if you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice.
The Forest Refuge is designed for experienced meditators who want to engage in longer, more intensive retreats. It offers a quiet and secluded environment for deep, sustained practice with minimal distractions. Participants at the Forest Refuge often follow a more self-directed schedule, with occasional guidance from teachers. The focus here is on silent, individual practice, allowing you to explore meditation more deeply.
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Images: Insight Meditation Society
