If you want to attend any of our Thursday night talks remotely via Zoom (January 8 through March 26), use this button at the time of the meeting to join in.
If you don’t have a computer/smartphone/internet access, you can still join a meeting by regular phone. Simply find your local number to dial (https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kgzz84Yos) and enter the Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295& Passcode: 115163.
Note: When Zoom is an option for any event at SIM, you can always locate the Join Meeting link by checking our calendar (click here) for the specific day and time of the event of interest.If a meeting link ever fails, try this alternate link https://www.zoom.us/join and manually enter the posted meeting ID and passcode.
Starting April 2, 2026, the Join Meeting on Zoom details will change to use Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: 538462.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/video-conference-5363856_640.png421640Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2025-12-28 04:00:002025-12-28 13:02:47Thursday Night Talks Zoom Link (Jan-Feb-Mar)
On December 1, 2022 we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of SIM’s supporting those practicing in the Insight (Vipassana) Meditation tradition. This could not have happened without the dedication of the Sangha, our volunteers, and financial supporters. We are deeply grateful to you.
In addition to our longtime faculty of Dennis Warren, Rich Howard, and Diane Wilde, visiting teachers rounded out a rich year of teaching at SIM.
Because of your dana in 2022 we were able to:
continue to offer hybrid events and classes at the Sacramento Dharma Center, allowing us to meet again in person in the meditation hall, as well as on Zoom. Meeting together strengthens our community.
hold our annual week-long residential retreat at Mercy Center Auburn under the leadership of Senior Teacher Greg Scharf. Our thanks to the volunteer Retreat Committee, Greg, the caring staff at the Mercy Center, and the generous dana of attendees.
create the Legacy Project, a plan to carry SIM into the future by nurturing and supporting new teachers in the Vipassana tradition. Details of the Legacy Project will be presented at the December 1 anniversary celebration.
Our fund-raising goals for 2022 include the continued expression of gratitude to our faculty through a year-end dana contribution as well as ongoing support for SIM’s Teaching and Development Initiative, including the new Legacy Project.
As you plan your year-end giving, we sincerely hope that you will continue to support SIM. You can do so through a one-time, year-end contribution and/or signing up for a monthly, automatic on-line contribution to SIM. Monthly contributions are key to our long-term financial health; all donations are received with deep gratitude.
Use the DONATE button below to make a year-end or monthly donation to Sacramento Insight Meditation. To donate online without a PayPal account, enter a donation amount and select “PayPal” along with the button “Donate Now”. Then select “Donate with a Debit or Credit Card“. To donate by personal check, enter a donation amount andselect the “Offline Donation” option.
Celebrating the end of the Residential Retreat 2022
To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.
Tonight 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.
To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.
In this talk in our series of talks on the Eightfold Path, we’ll explore how the path begins on the inside with Right View and Right Intention. The way we interpret what’s happening and the motivations we bring, quietly shape everything. We’ll look at how to recognize unhelpful momentum, reconnect with what matters, and let the path become something lived rather than merely understood.
Registration is now open for SIM’s 3-day Non-Residential Hybrid Retreat with teachers Diana Clark and Walt Opie. For details, visit the registration page listed below:
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2026-01-21 23:34:432026-01-21 23:36:33Registration Open for Non-Residential Retreat
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.
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.
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.
To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.
In this second part of our six-week exploration of the Noble Eightfold Path, we will delve into the three components of the training in sila, the development of ethical conduct. While some elements of the Path may sound theoretical or far from our experience, the practices of skillful speech, right action, and our very livelihood are at the heart of our everyday lives, whether or not we consider ourselves “Buddhist.” Connecting these areas of our life to the other Path factors like intention and mindfulness brings richness and depth to everyday activities, enhances the quality of our relationships, and brings ease and the “bliss of blamelessness” to our lives “off the cushion.” The mission of Sacramento Insight Meditation is to integrate “meditation practices and awareness in all aspects of individual, family, educational, institutional, work, and community life.” The training in sila is the way to do that.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00David Guerrierihttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngDavid Guerrieri2026-01-15 22:00:002026-01-23 09:23:571/15/2026 “Speech, Action, Livelihood: Where the Rubber meets the Path” with Rich Howard
My heart is heavy to let you know that my husband Steve Armstrong, peacefully passed away with me by his side, on December 23, 2025. We waited until the festive holidays were over to give you this message.
A private cere1mony was held on the Maui Dhamma Sanctuary, our home. His cremains were respectfully interred into the earth, with the sharing of merit, and prayers for continuing his journey with the Dhamma in his heart.
You are welcome to leave condolences and memories here (on caringbridge.org). They will be checked when possible. I would appreciate your understanding for some time to have some solitude and rest in the meantime.
This message was posted on caringbridge.org on Sunday, January 4, 2026 by Kamala Masters
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2026-01-14 17:27:082026-01-14 18:07:33Update on SIM Senior Advisor Steve Armstrong
Thursday Night Talks Zoom Link (Jan-Feb-Mar)
NewsIf you want to attend any of our Thursday night talks remotely via Zoom (January 8 through March 26), use this button at the time of the meeting to join in.
Optionally, you may download and import this iCalendar (.ics) file (click here) to your calendar system.
If you don’t have a computer/smartphone/internet access, you can still join a meeting by regular phone. Simply find your local number to dial (https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kgzz84Yos) and enter the Meeting ID: 862 9909 1295 & Passcode: 115163.
Note: When Zoom is an option for any event at SIM, you can always locate the Join Meeting link by checking our calendar (click here) for the specific day and time of the event of interest. If a meeting link ever fails, try this alternate link https://www.zoom.us/join and manually enter the posted meeting ID and passcode.
Starting April 2, 2026, the Join Meeting on Zoom details will change to use Meeting ID: 894 1555 3957 and Passcode: 538462.
Your generosity helps SIM thrive!
NewsDear SIM Friends,
On December 1, 2022 we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of SIM’s supporting those practicing in the Insight (Vipassana) Meditation tradition. This could not have happened without the dedication of the Sangha, our volunteers, and financial supporters. We are deeply grateful to you.
In addition to our longtime faculty of Dennis Warren, Rich Howard, and Diane Wilde, visiting teachers rounded out a rich year of teaching at SIM.
Because of your dana in 2022 we were able to:
Our fund-raising goals for 2022 include the continued expression of gratitude to our faculty through a year-end dana contribution as well as ongoing support for SIM’s Teaching and Development Initiative, including the new Legacy Project.
As you plan your year-end giving, we sincerely hope that you will continue to support SIM. You can do so through a one-time, year-end contribution and/or signing up for a monthly, automatic on-line contribution to SIM. Monthly contributions are key to our long-term financial health; all donations are received with deep gratitude.
To donate today, use the form shown below or visit https://sactoinsight.org/what-is-dana/.
Sara E. Denzler
Treasurer, SIM Board of Directors
Protected: Cultivating The Seven Factors – Audio Dharma
RetreatProtected: Non-residential Retreat Audio Dharma
Retreat1/29/2026 “Right Effort” with Diane Wilde
Audio DharmaTonight 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.
1/22/2026 “Seeing Clearly, Aiming Wisely” with Diana Clark
Audio DharmaIn this talk in our series of talks on the Eightfold Path, we’ll explore how the path begins on the inside with Right View and Right Intention. The way we interpret what’s happening and the motivations we bring, quietly shape everything. We’ll look at how to recognize unhelpful momentum, reconnect with what matters, and let the path become something lived rather than merely understood.
Registration Open for Non-Residential Retreat
NewsRegistration is now open for SIM’s 3-day Non-Residential Hybrid Retreat with teachers Diana Clark and Walt Opie. For details, visit the registration page listed below:
(Hybrid) Non-Residential Retreat (3 of 3)
Online Remote, RetreatMarch 18 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm PDT
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
Hybrid (in-person and online)
Sacramento, CA 95826 United States
(Hybrid) Non-Residential Retreat (2 of 3)
Online Remote, RetreatMarch 17 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm PDT
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
Hybrid (in-person and online)
Sacramento, CA 95826 United States
(Hybrid) Non-Residential Retreat (1 of 3)
Online Remote, RetreatMarch 16 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm PDT
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
Hybrid (in-person and online)
Sacramento, CA 95826 United States
1/15/2026 “Speech, Action, Livelihood: Where the Rubber meets the Path” with Rich Howard
Audio DharmaIn this second part of our six-week exploration of the Noble Eightfold Path, we will delve into the three components of the training in sila, the development of ethical conduct. While some elements of the Path may sound theoretical or far from our experience, the practices of skillful speech, right action, and our very livelihood are at the heart of our everyday lives, whether or not we consider ourselves “Buddhist.” Connecting these areas of our life to the other Path factors like intention and mindfulness brings richness and depth to everyday activities, enhances the quality of our relationships, and brings ease and the “bliss of blamelessness” to our lives “off the cushion.” The mission of Sacramento Insight Meditation is to integrate “meditation practices and awareness in all aspects of individual, family, educational, institutional, work, and community life.” The training in sila is the way to do that.
Update on SIM Senior Advisor Steve Armstrong
NewsWe are passing on this message from our Senior Advisor Kamala Masters. If you feel inclined, you may send a donation to the Vipassana Metta Foundation at https://vipassanametta.org/wp/donations/