About IMCW

Our Guiding Principles

IMCW is a community of individuals who share the common aspiration of awakening from suffering through the development of an ethical life, the cultivation of a loving heart and wise mind, and by learning to see oneself, others and the world clearly, just as they are. 

Our offerings, which include classes, retreats and special events, are grounded in Buddhist Insight (Vipassana) teachings, and rest on the foundational practice of mindfulness. They are meant to be accessible to people of all backgrounds and beliefs who feel a sincere desire to be free from the suffering caused by fear, clinging and the illusion of separation. 

As a community, we:

  • continually re-affirm our dedication to dismantling systems of oppression – both internal and external – that keep us from moving towards the goal of liberation for all people, without exception.
  • commit to the open exchange of ideas. We support the practice of wise speech, as well as listening heartfully and mindfully. We value honesty and courage as we consider what is working and what is not working in our community.
  • prioritize the ethical conduct of our teachers, students, staff and volunteers. We are a restorative community, and whenever possible seek to repair breaches of trust and facilitate healing.
  • are committed to the practice of joy, and seek opportunities to sing, dance, laugh and have fun together. We enjoy each other’s company, and view sangha as an essential element on the path of awakening.

What We Offer:

  • over 150 classes, retreats, and special events each month, in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. (All offerings are virtual until further notice.) These include drop-in classes, daylong, weekend and weeklong retreats and special speaker series, as well as multi-week courses in secular mindfulness such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self-Compassion.
  • Spiritual Friends (Kalyana Mitta) groups, which are self-led groups of 8-12 people who meet regularly to meditate and study, cultivate community and support each other’s practices. 
  • Affinity groups, including LGBTQIA+, BIPOC (Black, Indigeneous, and People of Color), Asian, Women, Singles, People with Dis/abiities and Deaf People, the Family Program and other groups offer a space for practicing meditation and sparking friendships within communities that share similar experience.
  • a mentor program, that matches those seeking guidance in establishing or maintaining a meditation practice with an experienced student. 

IMCW is guided by a collective of 65 teachers, an active  board of directors, a small part-time staff, and a community of generous volunteers.