Together on the path to peace
Contact Us
Who We Are
Madison Insight Meditation Group began in September 1995 to serve people interested in meditation and Buddhism in Madison, Wisconsin, and the central Midwest. In 2001, we split into two connected, collaborative organizations: Madison Vipassana, Inc., to host retreats, and Madison Insight Meditation Group, to provide regular local meditation sessions and various practice opportunities.
Madison Insight Meditation Group and Madison Vipassana practice meditation in the tradition of Theravada Buddhism developed in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Insight meditation, or what the Buddha called the practice of samatha/vipassana, is a practice of developing calm through sustained awareness of a meditation object (frequently the breath) and developing insight through mindful observation, investigation, and reflection.
You do not have to identify as a Buddhist to learn and practice this style of meditation or to benefit from or participate in our activities and events. People with varying levels of training and experience in meditation attend our activities.
A practice home for all
Our deepest wish is to offer an open and welcoming place where anyone interested in Theravada Buddhism and meditation can practice in safety and ease. Our sangha includes people of many backgrounds, identities, ages, and life circumstances, and we hope that circle keeps widening. Building an inclusive community is ongoing work, one that calls for compassionate presence and a willingness to learn, listen, and stretch beyond our comfort zones.
Because some people have good reason to wonder whether they will be welcome in a spiritual community like ours, we also try to be explicit and concrete about our aspirations and actions. Here are some of the steps we’ve taken:
Making practice accessible to people of varied means and needs. We use a “pay what you can” approach to retreat fees, and we do all we can to secure retreat and half-day sit venues that are accessible to those with disabilities. We have invested in assistive hearing devices and incorporated online attendance capability into all of our weekly and morning sits.
Inviting a range of teachers. We have committed to inviting at least one teacher of color to lead a retreat each year.
Prioritizing retreat registration for young people (age 25 and under) and people of color.
Offering affinity group sits for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC practitioners at retreats, in consultation with each retreat’s teachers.
Listening to LGBTQ+ members. At the suggestion of some LGBTQ+ members of our sangha, in 2026 we established an LGBTQ+ Advisory Council to give guidance and feedback to our board. One result was a half-day sit for LGBTQ+ local meditators, including those from other sanghas.
Supporting spiritual friendship. Our sangha supports and helps organize kalyana mitta groups. All practitioners are welcome in our general groups. At the request of members, we currently include one for LGBTQ+ practitioners. Based on member interest, we will consider the creation of others.
Showing up in the wider community, including supporting Madison’s Interfaith Transgender Day of Remembrance and Interfaith Pride.
We are still learning, and we know people may sometimes have experiences that fall short of our intentions. We invite your ideas, questions, and guidance at inclusion@madisonmeditation.org.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of Madison Insight Meditation Group and Madison Vipassana, Inc. is to provide formal opportunities for practicing samatha/vipassana meditation and studying Buddhist teaching in the Theravada tradition. We welcome people of every race, culture, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, age, and religion.
Our objectives are to provide:
Opportunities for weekly meditation
Dhamma teaching and discussion
Encouragement and support for the application of the Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives
Shared leadership in the activities of the sangha
Training in the Buddha’s teachings and meditation practice
Residential and non-residential retreat experiences
Support for activities that bring the Buddha’s teaching to the community at large
An atmosphere of kindness and welcome to all