We offer an introduction to practice virtually and in person. An experienced practitioner will introduce the Madison Insight Meditation Group and meditation practice, lead a guided meditation, and answer questions. This introduction is open to all.

In-person on the second Sunday of each month

The introduction will be offered on the second Sunday of each month in conjunction with the regular Sunday night sitting from 6 to 8 at the First Unitarian Society in Madison. See ‘Sunday Evenings’ below.

Virtually

We also offer the introduction via videoconference. If you are interested, please send a request to info@madisonmeditation.org. We will set up a convenient time for you and the leader.

Every Sunday night, in person and online, 6:00 to 8:00 pm

The Sunday night sitting group is both in-person and online. The in-person meeting is at First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, in the Landmark Auditorium. This site is fully wheelchair accessible.

There are no COVID-related restrictions in place at this time. However, you are welcome to wear a mask.

On the first and third Sundays, there will be a 45-minute sitting followed by a talk and discussion. On the second, fourth, and fifth Sundays, we will have a practice night consisting of two 45-minute sittings with a 20-minute walking period in between.

To join by Google Meet, use the link below or the meeting code jwn-atnh-pbp (hyphens may be omitted).

Every Tuesday night, in person and online, 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm

The Tuesday night sitting group is both in-person and online. The in-person meeting is at 9638 Shadow Ridge Trail, on the far west side of Madison.

We ask that only people fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID attend the in-person session. Wearing a mask is optional.

The evening is led by Janice Cittasubha Sheppard and includes chanting, meditation, a Dhamma talk and discussion. We chant briefly and meditate until 7:15 pm. The chanting book we use is online and available here:

Chanting Book Volume 1

or

Chanting book file on this site

If you’d like to follow along, you can print out pages 2-8. Following the meditation, Jan will share some reflections on a topic, followed by a discussion.

To join by Google Meet, use the link below or enter the meeting code ccb-mzif-udf (hyphens may be omitted) in the Google Meet app or home page.

Every Friday night, in person*** and online, from 7:30 to 9:15 pm

Important note concerning meeting in-person after October 3rd

***October 3, 2025, is the last time Friday Night Light meets in person at Herspiral on S. Paterson Street. Miriam Hall, Herspiral’s proprietor, who has generously allowed us to use Herspiral for the last two-plus years without cost to us, is moving her business to a new location in Monona starting in mid-October. A sincere thank you to Miriam for her kind and thoughtful support of our sangha!

Because of overlap with the community retreat, October 10th’s meeting will be online only. On October 17th, we will meet at Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society, 2010 Whenona Rd, Madison. Participating on Friday nights by Google Meet will continue as usual.

At this point we are uncertain where Friday Night Light may hold in-person meetings beyond October 17th. Possibilities include Prairie Unitarian, the new Herspiral location in Monona, and potentially other locations. Given that Friday sangha gatherings are all-volunteer, drop-in affairs, as are all of Madison Insight’s sangha gatherings, finding no cost or minimal cost accommodations is an important and challenging factor.

Keep an eye on this spot for updates on this situation. If you have a comment or suggestion regarding a future in-person meeting location for Friday Night Light, please drop us a line at fnlaccess@madisonmeditation.org.

The information in the Friday night sangha description below relating to Herspiral Contemplative Arts is relevant only through October 3rd. See the section above for updates.

We meet in person at Herspiral Contemplative Arts. Herspiral is in an office suite at 303 South Paterson St., just off Willy Street on Madison’s near Eastside. Parking is available in front of the building. (See important details below). Herspiral is down the hallway to the right after you enter the building. There is a ramp for wheelchair access to the building, but the front door has no automatic opener. We encourage and welcome you to contact us in advance if you may need help with building access.

On the first Friday of the month, the evenings consist of a 45-minute meditation period, a short break, and then open discussion of attendees' practice and the dhamma.

On the second, fourth, and sometimes fifth Fridays, we have a 30-minute sit, a short break, a talk (usually by Jayson Chung) and then a short period of discussion about the talk.

On the third Fridays, various sangha members take turns leading after our 30-minute sit.

There are no COVID-related restrictions in place at this time, but you are welcome to wear a mask. The studio has some cushions and mats that may help with floor sitting, but there is no formal meditation gear; feel free to bring your own. Seating is available.

To join by Google Meet, use the link below or the meeting code hag-jhoc-ruy (hyphens may be omitted).

**Parking at Herspiral: Upon entering the lot at 303 S. Paterson St., you will see signs requiring visitors to pay to park. This requirement, new as of June 2025, does not apply to tenants of the building nor the clients & guests of those tenants, despite the wording of the signs indicating otherwise.
The building’s landlord has confirmed that people attending sangha may park without paying.
If by chance, despite the landlord’s assurance, you are ticketed, please tell us immediately by emailing us at fnlaccess@madisonmeditation.org. Our kind host at Herspiral will intervene and have the ticket canceled. 

Every weekday morning, online, 6:30 to 7:00 am

Please join us in morning meditation from 6:30 to 7:00 am, Monday through Friday!

The bell rings at 6:30, and we meditate until 7:00, followed by a brief period for announcements and merit sharing.

All are welcome to this practice, whether you wish to come once, occasionally, or consistently.

To join by Google Meet, use the link below or the meeting code skf-kejo-ezb (hyphens may be omitted).