Sacramento Insight Meditation

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Diane Wilde - Right Effort
2026-01-29 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Teacher Diane Wilde

For biographical details of the teacher Diane Wilde, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Right EffortTonight we continue our series on the Noble Eightfold Path with Right Effort, the first of the “Samadhi” factors, the teachings that deal with mental cultivation.

Right Effort addresses our inner life: preventing unwholesome states from arising, letting go of those that have already appeared, and cultivating and sustaining wholesome qualities of mind. Traditionally, it is not about striving or self-pressure, but about wise discernment—knowing what nourishes clarity, kindness, and freedom, and what leads to suffering. Learning what sort of effort to expend in our sitting meditation is crucial for developing insight. In daily life, Right Effort shows up as choosing where we place our attention, how we respond to habits and emotions, and when we gently redirect ourselves rather than push or judge. It is the practice of effort that is balanced, humane, and aligned with our deepest values.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Diane Wilde will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Jan 29 Diane from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Walt Opie - Right Concentration
2026-02-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Teacher Walt Opie

For biographical details of the teacher Walt Opie, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Right ConcentrationAs part of our ongoing series, this talk will examine the final factor of the Noble Eightfold Path, which is Right Concentration. Practicing Right Effort and Right Mindfulness, in combination with a strong foundation in ethical behavior (Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood) leads eventually to a more focused or unified mind that is easily able to stay with one object like the breath or to maintain continuous awareness as the objects of our attention change (thoughts, sights, sounds, tastes, etc). With this steady, still, undistracted mind, we are then ready to cultivate insight which leads to wisdom (Right View, Right Intention) and potentially to full awakening.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Walt Opie will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Feb 5 Walt from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Remote) Cultivating The Seven Factors of Awakening (5-week course)
2026-02-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Remote Meeting Zoom
Cultivating The Seven Factors of Awakening (a 5-week online course with Walt Opie)

This online course meets via Zoom for five consecutive Tuesday evenings on February 10, 17, 24, and March 3,10, 2026. For details, visit the course overview page.

Registration

The fee is $50.00 per person due before the start of the first class meeting. If you are able and interested in further supporting SIM financially, you have the option of a registration fee of either $75 or $100 dollars. For the registration fee, we also accept personal checks; please contact the registrar for more information.Before registering for this course, please click here to review SIM’s Registration Refund Policy.

After we receive payment, SIM will confirm your registration within 48 hours. If the class fills up, the registration fee automatically secures your place on the course wait list.

Cultivating The Seven Factors of Awakening 5-week Online Course
$50.00
Register Now

Questions for the Registrar?

If you need to contact the retreat registrar with any questions, click here.

Audio Dharma

Some of the dharma talks for this course will be recorded and available to registered participants; click here and enter the password to access the recordings.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Dennis Warren - “Mindfulness” in Buddhist Practice
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren

For biographical details of the teacher Dennis Warren, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

“Mindfulness” in Buddhist Practice“Mindfulness” has become such a commonly used term in Western culture that its meaning now has a shape-shifting quality to it. Its definition depends on the person or group talking about it.This evening will focus on Right Mindfulness in Buddhist practice, and distinguish it for the broader culture connotations it has taken on. Join us to explore together the following questions:

What is “Right” mindfulness in Buddhist practice?Of what are we supposed to be mindful?Why is mindfulness important?How does one “do” or “be” mindful?What is the experience of mindfulness?Whether you’re just beginning your practice, or have been on the path for years, you’ll find something helpful at this SIM session. We invite you to join us in person or by ZOOM. Dennis will be presenting in person. He encourages you to be there in person, too, to enjoy an evening of community and the teachings of the Historical Buddha.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Dennis Warren will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Feb 12 Dennis from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

State of the Sangha
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
State of the Sangha Gathering with Diane Wilde and Amy Kovak

Please join us for our 2026 State of the Sangha gathering. We continue the tradition begun last year of keeping our community informed about what is happening at SIM, including updates on teaching, finances, and Board succession.

We will share where we are in our five-year plan, reflect on the past year, and offer a clear picture of SIM’s financial health. This is an opportunity to ask questions, stay informed, and better understand how our community is moving forward.

We look forward to gathering together in a spirit of transparency as we continue to strengthen our community.

Amy Kovak(SIM Board of Directors President)

Offer a Donation

SIM will receive 100% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Sangha – Feb 19 SIM from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thursday

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Adam Stonebraker - The Courage of the Open Heart: Cultivating the Mind in the Midst of Life
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with visiting Teacher Adam Stonebraker

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

ADAM STONEBRAKER, a dedicated practitioner of Yoga and Meditation since 1999, serves as the Guiding Teacher for Mountain Stream Meditation, in Nevada City, CA. Adam’s teachings are deeply rooted in his extensive training in Yoga and a long-standing devotion to Buddhadharma, which inspire him to guide others towards realizing their unique potential in mind and body. His primary goal is to help individuals trust their innate wisdom and embrace the profound sense of interconnection that defines our existence.In 2019, Adam completed a Master’s degree in the pioneering Mindfulness Studies Program at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, further enriching his understanding and teaching of mindfulness practices.

Offer a Teacher Donation

The teacher will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Feb 26 Adam from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Daylong Retreat - Walt Opie - Exploring The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
2026-02-28 09:30 - 16:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Daylong Retreat with SIM Teacher Walt Opie

For biographical details of the teacher Walt Opie, click here.

Exploring The Four Foundations of MindfulnessThis daylong retreat will include guided meditations and teachings based on the four foundations of mindfulness, which the Buddha called “the direct path for the purification of beings… [and] for the realization of Nibbana.” These four domains of mindfulness practice are: the body, feeling tone, mind states, and phenomena or qualities (dhammas). If you’ve ever wondered, “What exactly am I supposed to be mindful of?” then hopefully this day of practice will help give you some answers. The retreat will be a combination of sitting, walking, short dharma talks, discussion and breakout groups.

About This Hybrid Retreat

The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center. Participants may attend this Hybrid event via Zoom or in-person at the SDC.

Pre-registration is required and we recommend you pay the registration fee in advance using the registration button shown below. Since your registration choice indicates if you’ll be attending via Zoom or in-person, registering early helps us determine how many people the meditation room should accommodate.

After you’ve registered you may later offer a donation in gratitude of the teacher. To offer teacher dana, visit https://sactoinsight.org/retreat-dana-online/.

Summary of Important Dates

01/17/2026 – Registration opens.

02/28/2026 – Attend and enjoy the wonderful retreat.

02/28/2026 – For registration after the retreat, send a message to the registrar to arrange payment.

Registration

After registration open, select one of the following registration “ATTEND” buttons to indicate if you’ll be attending via Zoom or in-person. The fee is $25.00 per person due before the start of the event. If you are able and interested in further supporting SIM financially, you have the option of a registration fee of either $35 or $50 dollars. For the registration fee, we also accept personal checks. No one will be turned away for lack of funds; please contact the registrar for more information.Before registering for this event, please click here to review SIM’s Registration Refund Policy.

After we receive your registration payment, SIM will confirm your registration within 48 hours. Thanks for your patience.

February Daylong registration – Attend in-person
$25.00 – $50.00
Attend In-person

February Daylong registration – Attend on Zoom
$25.00 – $50.00
Attend on Zoom

Questions for the Registrar?

If you need to contact the retreat registrar with any questions, click here.

Teacher Dana

Sacramento Insight Meditation events are sustained by the generosity of instructors in offering teachings freely and on the generosity of students and members of the meditative community in the form of financial support, service and participation in events. With our practice of dana, we support our Sangha. To make a donation for this event using a credit card or PayPal account, click here to DONATE ONLINE.

How to Attend Remotely via Zoom

The link to attend the retreat via Zoom appears in three places: The Zoom link is on this page – select the button “Join Retreat Online” to connect to the meeting.

The Zoom link is included in the automated email sent with your “Attend on Zoom” registration.

The Zoom link is https://joinconferencing.zoom.us/join, with Meeting ID: 810 8500 7339 and Passcode: [REDACTED]

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Dennis Warren - Establishing The Mind in Not Knowing
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren

For biographical details of the teacher Dennis Warren, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Establishing The Mind in Not KnowingWhat is our state of mind when we show up — for meditation, for relationships, for life? The way we arrive inwardly shapes what happens next: how we perceive, relate to, and understand our experience. It quietly guides the direction in which the mind and heart are pointed.Learning to establish the mind in Not Knowing is a vital foundation of practice. This evening will explore what “establishing the mind in Not Knowing” really means, why it matters so deeply, and some practical ways to cultivate this fertile, spacious quality of mind.Whether you’re just beginning to practice or have been on the path for many years, this exploration is meant to offer something immediately useful and alive. You are warmly invited to join, in person or via Zoom. Dennis will be presenting in person, and especially encourages you to come to share the room together, meet old and new friends, and spend an evening in community, turning together toward the Buddha’s teachings.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Dennis Warren will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Mar 5 Dennis from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Rich Howard & Vance Pryor - Passing It Down: Stories from Our Teachers
2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Teacher Rich Howard

For biographical details of the teacher Rich Howard, click here.

For biographical details of the teacher Vance Pryor, click here.

* The teacher Rich Howard will present in-person at the Dharma Center and Vance Pryor will present remotely via Zoom.* Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Passing It Down: Stories from Our TeachersRich and Vance will share stories and reflections from their own time studying with their teachers. We’ll talk about the moments that shaped our practice and how the teachings we received continue to influence the way we teach today. This is a conversation about what it means to receive the dharma from someone who came before you, and what it means to pass it along. We hope it sparks your own memories of the teachers and teachings that have mattered most to you.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Offer a Teacher Donation

The Vipassana Metta Foundation will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk Mar 12 – Rich and Vance from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Non-residential, Silent Retreat with Diana Clark and Walt Opie
2026-03-16 09:00 - 2026-03-18 16:30 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Diana Clark

Walt Opie

Non-residential, Silent Retreat with SIM Teachers Diana Clark and Walt Opie

Both teachers will be IN-PERSON at the Sacramento Dharma Center for all three days.

For biographical details of the teachers, click the links Diana Clark / Walt Opie.

Retreat Theme

A Heart at Ease: Awareness and Wisdom in Challenging Times

About This Retreat

This three-day, non-residential silent meditation retreat invites participants to cultivate awareness and wisdom as a pathway to a heart at ease. Inspired in part by the teachings of Sayadaw U Tejaniya, we’ll practice paying careful attention to the present moment experience—not only during formal sitting and walking meditation, but also throughout the flow of daily life. With an emphasis on continuity of awareness, both at the retreat center and in the hours before and after, participants are encouraged to nurture a gentle, receptive heart that learns to meet each moment with wisdom and ease.Non-residential retreats offer a unique opportunity for deep and sustained meditation practice in the company of others, while returning home to one’s own space at night. For some, this format provides a gentle introduction to the rhythm of residential retreats. For others, it allows for intensive practice while remaining available for evening responsibilities. Whatever the circumstances, a non-residential retreat offers a precious chance to strengthen mindfulness, cultivate continuity of awareness, and experience the support and inspiration of practicing together in person.

This daily schedule is tentative. Check back soon for updated details.

Monday, Mar 16 Overview

9:30 am to 12:30 – Sitting & Walking w/Instructions

12:30 to 1:30 – Lunch

1:30 pm to 4:30 pm – Sitting and Walking with Dharma Talk

Tuesday, Mar 17 Overview

9:30 am to 12:30 – Sitting & Walking w/Instructions and Practice Groups

12:30 to 1:30 – Lunch

1:30 pm to 4:30 pm – Sitting and Walking with Dharma Talk

Wednesday, Mar 18 Overview

9:30 am to 12:30 – Sitting & Walking w/Instructions

12:30 to 1:30 – Lunch

1:30 pm to 4:00 pm – Sitting and Walking with Q&A

Registration

Select the registration “REGISTER NOW” button and indicate if you’ll be attending in-person or attending on Zoom. The fee is $100 due before the start of the event. If you are able and interested in further supporting SIM financially, you have the option of adding an optional donation above the base rate. Registration is for all three days; there is no option to register for individual days. Everyone is welcome. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If paying the full registration fee is a barrier, please contact the registrar to discuss reduced-rate or no-cost options.Before registering to this event, click here to review the refund policy and terms of use for this website.

Registration, Retreat non-residential
$100.00 – $200.00
Register Now

Donate to Teachers

Visit the retreat donation page (click here) . Please change the setting from “Choose the retreat…“ and replace it with the NON-RESIDENTIAL option instead.

Questions for the Registrar?

If you need to contact the retreat registrar with any questions, click here.

Some of the dharma talks for this retreat will be recorded. If you attend this retreat, click here and enter the password to access the recordings.

(Hybrid) Non-Residential Retreat (1 of 3)
2026-03-16 09:00 - 16:30 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Both teachers will be IN-PERSON at the Sacramento Dharma Center for all three days.

This non-residential, hybrid retreat will include dharmettes, sitting and walking meditation and an opportunity for Q&A. Visit the main overview page for more information.

Registration

Registration is for all three days; there is no option to register for individual days. Visit the main registration page for additional information.

Offer a Donation

Visit the retreat donation page (click here) . Please change the setting from “Choose the retreat…“ and replace it with the NON-RESIDENTIAL option instead.

(Hybrid) Non-Residential Retreat (2 of 3)
2026-03-17 09:00 - 16:30 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States

(Hybrid) Non-Residential Retreat (3 of 3)
2026-03-18 09:00 - 16:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Diana Clark - Crossing the Flood: Not Hurrying and Not Tarrying
2026-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Teacher Diana Clark

For biographical details of the teacher Diana Clark, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Crossing the Flood: Not Hurrying and Not TarryingThis talk explores how we get swept away by reactivity or sink into disconnection, and how practice invites a steadier, more open way of meeting experience.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Diana Clark will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Mar 19 Diana from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - SIM Teachers Diana, Walt, Diane, and Rich - Practice in Daily Life
2026-03-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Teachers Diana, Walt, Diane, and Rich

For biographical details of the SIM teachers, click here.

* Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Practice in Daily LifeSIM’s mission is to integrate meditative awareness into all aspects of daily life. The core faculty will explore this topic together on this evening. Diana, Walt, Diane, and Rich will reflect on their own daily life practices and leave plenty of time for reflections from the community.

Offer a Teacher Donation

At least 75% of your donation will be shared among the four teachers.

Use the following donate button and select Thu Mar 26 – four teachers from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Onsite) Daylong Retreat - Dennis Warren - The Five Stages of Practice
2026-03-28 09:00 - 16:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center Building, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Daylong Retreat with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren

For biographical details of the teacher Dennis Warren, click here.

The Five Stages of PracticeThis one-day retreat offers a helpful model of practice that participants can begin using right away — whether sitting in meditation, moving through daily life, or navigating the complexities of relationship.

Throughout the day, we’ll explore each stage of the model through presentation, inquiry, discussion, and reflection. The focus will be grounded and real-world: understanding the underlying psychology, seeing how the pieces fit together, and discovering how the model adapts to the full range of human experience.

This day is especially suited for practitioners seeking a flexible, coherent framework for weaving the many tools of practice into a living, integrated whole.

Important Note. To get the most from our time together, participants are encouraged to listen to two recent talks by Dennis that lay important groundwork for the day: “Mindfulness” in Buddhist Practice (February 22) and Establishing the Mind in Not Knowing (March 5). Both are available on the SIM website at https://sactoinsight.org/category/audio-dharma/ .

During this one day, we’ll have at least one period of mindful movement, so please bring your yoga mat. The session will be led by Sandra (Sam) Halford, a member of our community who is both a therapist and a trauma-sensitive certified yoga instructor.

Plan to stay with us on site for the entire day. Please bring a lunch to enjoy during our midday break. We look forward to you joining us in practice together!

About This Onsite Retreat

The teacher will present in-person at the Sacramento Dharma Center. All participants will attend in-person as the retreat will not be available via Zoom.

Pre-registration is required and we recommend you pay the registration fee in advance using the registration button shown below. Since your registration choice indicates that you’ll be attending in-person, registering early helps us determine how many people the meditation room should accommodate.

After you’ve registered you may later offer a donation in gratitude of the teacher. To offer teacher dana, visit https://sactoinsight.org/retreat-dana-online/.

Summary of Important Dates

03/01/2026 – Registration opens.

03/28/2026 – Attend and enjoy the wonderful retreat.

03/28/2026 – For registration after the retreat, send a message to the registrar to arrange payment.

Registration

After registration opens, select the Register Now button to indicate you’ll be attending in-person. The fee is $25.00 per person due before the start of the event. If you are able and interested in further supporting SIM financially, you have the option of a registration fee of either $35 or $50 dollars. For the registration fee, we also accept personal checks. No one will be turned away for lack of funds; please contact the registrar for more information.Before registering for this event, please click here to review SIM’s Registration Refund Policy.

After we receive your registration payment, SIM will confirm your registration within 48 hours. Thanks for your patience.

March Daylong registration – Attend in-person
$25.00 – $50.00
Register Now

Questions for the Registrar?

If you need to contact the retreat registrar with any questions, click here.

Teacher Dana

Sacramento Insight Meditation events are sustained by the generosity of instructors in offering teachings freely and on the generosity of students and members of the meditative community in the form of financial support, service and participation in events. With our practice of dana, we support our Sangha. To make a donation for this event using a credit card or PayPal account, click here to DONATE ONLINE.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Walt Opie - Inner Transformation
2026-04-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Teacher Walt Opie

For biographical details of the teacher Walt Opie, click here.

* The teacher will present via ZOOM.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Inner TransformationIf there is a goal in meditation practice, perhaps it could best be described as inner transformation of the heart. In Satipatthana Meditation: A Practice Guide, Buddhist scholar Bhikkhu Analayo writes, “Meditation practice should result in an improvement in the way we are, how we relate to others, and how we deal with outer circumstances.” He also describes this as “a genuine opening of the heart to the qualities of kindness and compassion.” During this talk, we will explore this further, with the aid of stories and poems, and perhaps discover ways it might manifest in our own experience.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Walt Opie will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Apr 2 Walt from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Adam Stonebraker - Wise Attention: Why We Practice, How We Practice
2026-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with Visiting Teacher Adam Stonebraker

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Wise Attention: Why We Practice, How We PracticeWhy do we practice, and how do we practice, in a life that keeps moving, changing, and asking things of us, especially in times like these, when the world feels intense, fast, and fragile?

ADAM STONEBRAKER, a dedicated practitioner of Yoga and Meditation since 1999, serves as the Guiding Teacher for Mountain Stream Meditation, in Nevada City, CA. Adam’s teachings are deeply rooted in his extensive training in Yoga and a long-standing devotion to Buddhadharma, which inspire him to guide others towards realizing their unique potential in mind and body. His primary goal is to help individuals trust their innate wisdom and embrace the profound sense of interconnection that defines our existence.In 2019, Adam completed a Master’s degree in the pioneering Mindfulness Studies Program at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, further enriching his understanding and teaching of mindfulness practices.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Adam Stonebraker will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Apr 9 Adam from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Rich Howard - Change, Uncertainty, Discomfort and Faith
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Senior Community Teacher Rich Howard

For biographical details of the teacher Rich Howard, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Change, Uncertainty, Discomfort and FaithGil Fronsdal writes: “Some people have a strong tendency to resist change of any type, including new perspectives and understandings.” “Not me” we might think, “I know about impermanence.” But this practice teaches us that “knowing about” a concept is quite different than “living into” an experience or insight.

While a general understanding of changes in the seasons may be helpful, a more precise awareness can reveal the discomfort that accompanies the transition from one moment to another. Given that change is built into this human life, our practice of using the practice of meditative awareness to work with transitions, uncertainty, and discomfort can serve us well, especially in difficult times in our lives and the world. Further, it can also reveal that change itself can bring great benefits.

This evening will be an opportunity to reflect on our relationship to uncertainty and change and to learn from each other about how to work with them.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Rich Howard will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Apr 16 Rich from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Befriending Your Own Mind - Walt Opie
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Teacher Walt Opie

For biographical details of the teacher Walt Opie, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Befriending Your Own MindEveryone has heard the phrase “being your own worst enemy” which points to the way we can sometimes use negative self-talk to sabotage or hold ourselves back from progress on the path. This talk will highlight the importance of befriending our own mind and accepting it rather than fighting it. Then, as the meditation master Dipa Ma once said, “it ceases to be a problem.”

Offer a Teacher Donation

Walt Opie will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Apr 23 Walt from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Onsite) Sit and Afternoon Tea with Walt Opie
2026-04-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Sacramento Dharma Center Building, 3111 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Afternoon Tea with SIM Teacher Walt Opie

For biographical details of the teacher Walt Opie, click here.

Please join us for a three-day teacher weekend with new faculty member Walt Opie. We’ll begin with a 30-minute sit, then gather for afternoon tea with light refreshments. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with Walt and enjoy time together as a sangha.

We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you there!

Kindly RSVP below if you plan to attend.

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Offer a Teacher Donation

Walt Opie will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Friday Tea Apr from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Fri Apr 24

(Hybrid) Daylong Retreat - Walt Opie - Tending to the Heart
2026-04-25 09:30 - 16:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Daylong Retreat with SIM Teacher Walt Opie

For biographical details of the teacher Walt Opie, click here.

Retreat Theme

Tending to the HeartThis will be a traditional insight meditation daylong retreat, appropriate for both new practitioners and those with more experience. The emphasis will be on sitting and walking meditation, and continuous awareness. Heart practices will be offered in the form of guided meditations on lovingkindness (metta) and compassion (karuna) as a way to tend to the heart during these uncertain times. The day will include meditation instructions, short dharma talks, and time for practice discussion and questions.

About This Hybrid Retreat

The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center. Participants may attend this Hybrid event via Zoom or in-person at the SDC.

Pre-registration is required and we recommend you pay the registration fee in advance using the registration button shown below. Since your registration choice indicates if you’ll be attending via Zoom or in-person, registering early helps us determine how many people the meditation room should accommodate.

After you’ve registered you may later offer a donation in gratitude of the teacher. To offer teacher dana, visit https://sactoinsight.org/retreat-dana-online/.

Summary of Important Dates

03/21/2026 – Registration opens.

04/25/2026 – Attend and enjoy the wonderful retreat.

04/25/2026 – For registration after the retreat, send a message to the registrar to arrange payment.

Registration

After registration opens, select one of the following registration “ATTEND” buttons to indicate if you’ll be attending via Zoom or in-person. The fee is $25.00 per person due before the start of the event. If you are able and interested in further supporting SIM financially, you have the option of a registration fee of either $35 or $50 dollars. For the registration fee, we also accept personal checks. No one will be turned away for lack of funds; please contact the registrar for more information.Before registering for this event, please click here to review SIM’s Registration Refund Policy.

After we receive your registration payment, SIM will confirm your registration within 48 hours. Thanks for your patience.

April Daylong registration – Attend in-person
$25.00 – $50.00
Attend In-person

April Daylong registration – Attend on Zoom
$25.00 – $50.00
Attend on Zoom

Questions for the Registrar?

If you need to contact the retreat registrar with any questions, click here.

Teacher Dana

Sacramento Insight Meditation events are sustained by the generosity of instructors in offering teachings freely and on the generosity of students and members of the meditative community in the form of financial support, service and participation in events. With our practice of dana, we support our Sangha. To make a donation for this event using a credit card or PayPal account, click here to DONATE ONLINE.

How to Attend Remotely via Zoom

The link to attend the retreat via Zoom appears in three places: The Zoom link is on this page – select the button “Join Retreat Online” to connect to the meeting.

The Zoom link is included in the automated email sent with your “Attend on Zoom” registration.

The Zoom link is https://joinconferencing.zoom.us/join, with Meeting ID: 825 6616 2975 and Passcode: [REDACTED]

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Kim Allen - The First Step Depends on the Last, and Vice Versa
2026-04-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with Visiting Teacher Kim Allen

* The teacher will present remotely via Zoom.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

KIM ALLEN has been practicing Insight meditation since 2003, and has trained intensively in the U.S. and Asia with cumulative years of silent retreat. She has practiced with primary teacher Gil Fronsdal and other Western teachers, Theravādan monastics, and a few Mahāyāna teachers, and now offers retreats, sutta study, and experiential Dharma engagement. A teacher and author, Kim aims to bring classical Dharma to a modern context and to encourage lay practitioners in fully living a life of Dharma. Her education includes a PhD in physics and a master’s degree in environmental sustainability, and her website is http://www.uncontrived.org.

Offer a Teacher Donation

The teacher will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk Apr 30 – Kim from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Seth Castleman - Enough is Enough! The Dharma of Renunciation
2026-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Visiting Teacher Seth Castleman

For biographical details of the teacher Seth Castleman, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Seth Castleman will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Thu May 7 – Seth from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Dennis Warren - Equanimity and Equanimous Happiness
2026-05-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren

For biographical details of the teacher Dennis Warren, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Equanimity and Equanimous HappinessEquanimity, and the unique form of happiness that accompanies it, is considered one of the most important qualities of mind and heart in Buddhist practice. It is frequently misunderstood. And how to be Equanimous can sometimes seem confusing or beyond our skill or capacity. Understanding how to cultivate a realistic, practical form of Equanimity seems like something that could help all of us given the conditions in our country and the world.

Join us this evening to examine these questions:What are the characteristics and qualities of Equanimity? And Equanimous Happiness?Why is this quality of mind and heart considered so valuable in meditation, daily life and relationships?In what ways does Equanimity differ from, and is related to, the other three “higher emotions” of Loving Kindness, Compassion and Sympathetic Joy?How do we develop Equanimity as a readily available resource for dealing with the challenges of life?

You might want to review the essay on SIM’s website entitled “The Practice of Equanimity – The Balanced Embrace of All Experience.” This basic essay will serve as a jumping off point for our exploration on Thursday evening.

Whether you’re just beginning your practice, or have been on the path for years, you’ll find something helpful in this investigation. We welcome you to join us either in person or via ZOOM. Dennis will be presenting in person. He encourages you to be there in person to meet with old as well as new friends, and enjoy an evening of community and exploring the Buddha’s teachings.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Dennis Warren will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Thu May 14 – Dennis from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Rich Howard - Reflections on Perceptions
2026-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Teacher Rich Howard

For biographical details of the teacher Rich Howard, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Reflections on PerceptionsPerception is one of the proximate causes for mindfulness to arise. Perception is also the source of concepts, confusion, and papanca, the proliferation of thoughts that causes us to suffer. This evening, we will explore the many facets of perception and the distortions of perception, with the intention of allowing this powerful capacity of the mind to free us from clinging.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Rich Howard will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Thu May 21 – Rich from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Tony Bernhard - Ethical Conduct is the Path of Liberation...
2026-05-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with Visiting Teacher Tony Bernhard

For biographical details of the teacher Tony Bernhard, click here.

* The teacher will present IN-PERSON.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Ethical Conduct is the Path of Liberation…We take up meditation and engage in dharma study to cultivate morally skillful behavior in our speech and action. Ethical conduct is not an adjunct to practice, it is at the heart of practice and, in the end, is the very point of practice.

Offer a Teacher Donation

The teacher will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Thu May 28 – Tony from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Daylong Retreat - Seth Castleman - Telling Our Story: Meditation, Writing, and Living into Our Truth
2026-05-30 09:30 - 16:30 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Daylong Retreat with Visiting Teacher Seth Castleman

For biographical details of the teacher Seth Castleman, click here.

Retreat Theme

Telling Our Story: Meditation, Writing, and Living into Our TruthA daylong retreat with Seth Castleman including meditation instructions, silent sitting and walking practice, and periods of writing from our life’s experience. Experienced and novice meditators and writers welcome.

About This Hybrid Retreat

The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center. Participants may attend this Hybrid event via Zoom or in-person at the SDC.

Pre-registration is required and we recommend you pay the registration fee in advance using the registration button shown below. Since your registration choice indicates if you’ll be attending via Zoom or in-person, registering early helps us determine how many people the meditation room should accommodate.

After you’ve registered you may later offer a donation in gratitude of the teacher. To offer teacher dana, visit https://sactoinsight.org/retreat-dana-online/.

Summary of Important Dates

04/10/2026 – Registration opens.

05/30/2026 – Attend and enjoy the wonderful retreat.

05/30/2026 – For registration after the retreat, send a message to the registrar to arrange payment.

Registration

After registration opens, select one of the following registration “ATTEND” buttons to indicate if you’ll be attending via Zoom or in-person. The fee is $25.00 per person due before the start of the event. If you are able and interested in further supporting SIM financially, you have the option of a registration fee of either $35 or $50 dollars. For the registration fee, we also accept personal checks. No one will be turned away for lack of funds; please contact the registrar for more information.Before registering for this event, please click here to review SIM’s Registration Refund Policy.

After we receive your registration payment, SIM will confirm your registration within 48 hours. Thanks for your patience.

May Daylong registration – Attend in-person
$25.00 – $50.00
Attend In-Person

If you wish to attend via ZOOM, use the “Registration Request” form listed below to manually enter your contact details and provide payment at a later time.

Questions for the Registrar?

If you need to contact the retreat registrar with any questions, click here.

Registration Request – Attend on Zoom
Complete this registration form and attend SIM’s daylong retreat on Zoom.

CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Contact DetailsName(Required)

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Base Fee Registration $25 total

add $10 donation to SIM $35 total

add $25 donation to SIM $50 total
Registration – Next StepAfter you submit your registration details, watch for a separate email that will allow you to provide your registration payment information. The payment email (invoice) should arrive within 48 hours but probably much sooner.This field is hidden when viewing the formCredit CardReplace this field with a field specific to your payment gateway whenever possible.

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Teacher Dana

Sacramento Insight Meditation events are sustained by the generosity of instructors in offering teachings freely and on the generosity of students and members of the meditative community in the form of financial support, service and participation in events. With our practice of dana, we support our Sangha. To make a donation for this event using a credit card or PayPal account, click here to DONATE ONLINE.

How to Attend Remotely via Zoom

The link to attend the retreat via Zoom appears in three places: The Zoom link is on this page – select the button “Join Retreat Online” to connect to the meeting.

The Zoom link is included in the automated email sent with your “Attend on Zoom” registration.

The Zoom link is https://joinconferencing.zoom.us/join, with Meeting ID: 845 2585 2460 and Passcode: [REDACTED]

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Diane Wilde - Anger… it’s complicated!
2026-06-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Teacher Diane Wilde

For biographical details of the teacher Diane Wilde, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

Anger… it’s complicated!Anger creeps into our lives uninvited, disguised in a variety of forms. it is a multi-faceted emotion that is on the continuum of “ill-will,” (dosa in Pali) the second of the “Three Poisons” or kilesas that keep us in a state of samsara. The first kilesa is greed (lobha) and the third is delusion.(moha).

There are a wide range of behaviors that signal anger, yet we don’t usually consider ourselves as being “angry.” Traditionally anger is defined as an explosion of violent behavior, either verbally or physically. Explosive anger is the extreme form of ill-will on the continuum of emotional manifestations of dosa.

One of the many difficulties of dealing with anger is that it is inculcated throughout our society. Movies, podcasts, social media, TV shows and politics all have expressions of anger.

Another aspect of anger is when it is self-directed, and may be experienced as disappointment, guilt, jealously as well as a variety of other emotions. Continually experiencing anger in its variety of forms creates sadness, withdrawal and confusion.

Tonight we will discuss anger, its traditional antidotes and some advice from contemporary teachers.

Offer a Teacher Donation

The teacher will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Thu Jun 4 – Diane from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

(Hybrid) Sit & Dharma Talk - Rich Howard - The Long and Winding Path to Freedom
2026-06-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid (in-person and online), 3111 Wissemann Drive (or *ZOOM), Sacramento, CA, 95826, United States
Insight Meditation and Dharma Talk with SIM Teacher Rich Howard

For biographical details of the teacher Rich Howard, click here.

* The teacher will present in-person at the Dharma Center.Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center.

The Long and Winding Path to FreedomA long hike requires many resources: a healthy body, food and water, the right clothing and gear, not to mention motivation and a sense of direction. The practice of mindfulness, meditation, and ethical living has been described as a noble path, and it may not be a straight line! For many of us, it is a long and winding path that requires physical, emotional, and spiritual supports. Let’s take this evening to discuss and share some of the supports we have found for our practice.

After a dharmette by SIM Community Teacher Rich Howard, we will break into small groups in person and online to consider a series of questions to explore where we are on the path, where we are headed, and what resources might support us on the way.

Offer a Teacher Donation

Rich Howard will receive at least 75% of your donation.

Use the following donate button and select Talk – Jun 11 Rich from the dropdown list.

DONATE – Thu Talk

How to Attend Remotely

Join online meeting: https://zoom.us/join or join by phone at 1-669-900-6833( Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: [REDACTED] tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.
