If you want to attend any of our Thursday night talks remotely via Zoom (April 3 through June 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: 824 3438 6704& Passcode: 244812.
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 Thursday, July 3, the Join Meeting on Zoom details will change to use Meeting ID: 846 4947 9345 and Passcode: 111759
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/video-conference-5363856_640.png421640Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2025-04-03 08:00:002025-04-10 15:00:23Thursday Night Talks Zoom Link (Apr-May-Jun)
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.
The shortcode is missing a valid Donation Form ID attribute.
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.
We will look at the timeless nature of the Dharma, exploring the question ~ What if time is part of the root of suffering? We’ll look at the impact of attachment to schedules and productivity and some of the ways that Buddhist teachings challenge these conventional understandings. And how as we practice and see more clearly, we the possibility of liberation from suffering for ourselves and our communities deepen.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00David Guerrierihttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngDavid Guerrieri2025-05-15 22:00:002025-05-15 22:12:015/15/2025 “Reflections on Time and Timeless Awakening” with JD Doyle
Insight Meditation and Afternoon Tea with SIM Teacher Diana Clark
For biographical details of the teacher Diana Clark, click here.
Please join us in welcoming our new faculty member, Diana Clark, to the SIM community. We’ll begin with a 30-minute sit, followed by an afternoon tea with light refreshments—a chance to get to know Diana and enjoy time together as a sangha. We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you there!
Use the GOING button shown below to submit an RSVP to this event. You won’t need to print the confirmation ticket.
Diana Clark
Tea with Diana
4
Going
RSVP Here
Offer a Teacher Donation
Diana Clark will receive at least 75% of your donation.
Use the following donate button and select Friday Tea May 30 from the dropdown list.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tea-GregScharf-e1744698893586.jpg8521285Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2025-05-14 14:46:272025-05-14 14:59:47(Onsite) Sit and Afternoon Tea with Diana Clark
To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.
The skandhas and the four foundations of mindfulness map the same experiential territory. We’ll explore how seeing this can change our practice and point to a deeper understanding of not-self.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00David Guerrierihttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngDavid Guerrieri2025-05-01 22:00:002025-05-01 21:40:165/1/2025 “The Skandhas and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness” with Tony Bernhard
Rooted in the Dharma: Creating the Future Together
This year, we have launched SIM’s Five-Year Plan – a series of transformative efforts to guide SIM through the next five years. It embodies a dynamic vision of the future where SIM remains grounded in the Dharma and evolving to meet the needs of our sangha for future generations.
Through this plan, we will • Expand our core faculty by integrating Diana Clark, Walt Opie, and Vance Pryor as Dharma leaders. • Offer deeper practice opportunities with a diversity of topics and perspectives, including coordinated Dharma talks, and spring and fall courses. • Introduce three-day in-person teaching events led by each faculty member four times per year. • Continue popular courses like A Year to Live, Beginning Meditation Course, as well as adding new offerings. • Support faculty integration through collaborative meetings for mutual growth and leadership development. • Create continuity as our core faculty —Dennis Warren, Diane Wilde, and Rich Howard—begin to step back, passing the torch to our next generation of teachers and leaders. • Sustain the administrative and technical support needed to assist the Board and Faculty.
Our Path Forward
The Five-Year Plan is a bold and inspiring vision for SIM’s future—and it comes with additional costs to bring it to life. A central part of this plan is supporting our three new teachers with modest annual stipends totaling $33,000. We’ve also expanded our administrative capacity by hiring a part-time Operations Manager to help support our Board and Faculty and sustain our programs.
While we’ve taken meaningful steps to reduce costs and increase revenue, it is essential that we raise additional funds to stay on this path. To meet this need, we are launching a pledge campaign to raise $165,000 over the next five years. This is a special commitment—above and beyond your current donations—that will allow SIM to meet immediate needs, ensure long-term financial stability, and rebuild our reserves.
For the past 22 years, SIM has been a place of deep practice—rooted in the Dharma, guided by dedicated teachers, and sustained by the strength of our community. Together, we can ensure that SIM continues to thrive as a refuge for wisdom, in-depth practice, and spiritual friendship.
We invite you to join us in supporting this vision by making a pledge to the Five-Year Plan.
Thank you for your generosity and your ongoing commitment to the Dharma!
With deep gratitude,
Amy Kovak
SIM Board President on behalf of the SIM Board and Faculty
Scroll down this page to view the Frequently Asked Question section.
To Make a Pledge
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m concerned that the new teachers are not local and will only be teaching on Zoom.
Almost from SIM’s inception, we’ve had the unusual good fortune of having three local teachers. This is the exception to the rule for nearly all mid-level meditation communities in California who are peer lead or rely on visiting teachers. Our three new faculty – Diana, Walt, and Vance – will collectively teach 50% of their scheduled events in-person in Sacramento this coming year. They are committed to developing a close relationship with the SIM community, including mentoring opportunities and new course offerings. This change in format calls for SIM and our community to remain flexible and adaptable, so we can continue offering high-quality teachings from both existing and new faculty.
How is SIM spending my donations?
The SIM Board takes its fiduciary responsibility very seriously and is committed to carefully stewarding the financial resources entrusted to us. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the projected expense budget and anticipated revenue for 2025.
How much should I give?
The amount you give is entirely up to you. To help guide your decision, we’ve outlined some sample pledge levels, and the number of donors needed at each level to reach our fundraising goal.
Do you see yourself at one of these levels?
I’m ready to pledge—how do I do it?
Thank you for your support! The first step is to fill out a pledge form, where you’ll provide your contact information and let us know your intended financial commitment.
From there, you can choose when to begin your first installment. Some people prefer to give monthly through PayPal—either by starting a new recurring donation or increasing an existing one. Others may choose to write a single check or give in installments by check (just note “Pledge Campaign Donation” in the memo line). You can also make a charitable gift through a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) or stock if that fits your situation. There’s flexibility in how and when you give—whatever works best for you.
I’m afraid to make a commitment because these are such uncertain times.
We understand—these are politically and economically uncertain times, and it’s natural to feel the urge to hold on more tightly to what we have. But it’s in these very moments that the refuge of the Dharma and the support of a caring sangha become even more vital. Contributing to SIM is an investment in what is steady, wholesome, and deeply needed in our world.
I’m new to the SIM community and don’t feel ready to commit to the Five-Year Pledge Campaign.
It’s completely understandable—everyone needs to reflect on what the SIM community and the Dharma mean to them, and how that fits into their life right now. If a five-year commitment doesn’t feel right at this time, you might consider becoming a monthly donor instead. It’s a meaningful way to support SIM at a level that works for you.
To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.
At some point, hopefully we begin to fall in love with meditation and the inherent wisdom we gain from this path of practice. This means we really make it a top priority, not because we “should” or think it’s a good idea, but because we start to see the tangible benefits manifesting in our life. We may also begin to get a sense of spiritual urgency or samvega. We understand that meditation can be a stable, reliable refuge for us even during the difficult times in our lives.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00David Guerrierihttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngDavid Guerrieri2025-04-24 22:00:002025-04-24 21:19:084/24/2025 “Falling in Love with Meditation Practice” with Walt Opie
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2025-04-14 23:59:152025-04-30 14:01:43Tea with Walt (Friday, Apr 25)
Insight Meditation and Afternoon Tea with SIM Teacher Walt Opie
For biographical details of the teacher Walt Opie, click here.
Please join us in welcoming our new faculty member, Walt Opie, to the SIM community. We’ll begin with a 30-minute sit, followed by an afternoon tea with light refreshments—a chance to get to know Walt and enjoy time together as a sangha. We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you there!
Use the GOING button shown below to submit an RSVP to this event. You won’t need to print the confirmation ticket.
Walt Opie
Offer a Teacher Donation
Walt Opie will receive at least 75% of your donation.
Use the following donate button and select Fri – Apr 25 Walt from the dropdown list.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tea-GregScharf-e1744698893586.jpg8521285Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2025-04-14 23:17:002025-04-15 00:06:10(Onsite) Sit and Afternoon Tea with Walt Opie
The Young Persons Sangha is a meditation group for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The group meets in-person every other Wednesday at the Sacramento Dharma Center.
Offer a Donation
Use the following donate button and select Young Persons Sangha from the dropdown list.
Sacramento Dharma Center Building
3111 Wissemann Drive Sacramento,
CA
95826United States+ Google Map
The Young Persons Sangha is a meditation group for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The group meets in-person every other Wednesday at the Sacramento Dharma Center.
Offer a Donation
Use the following donate button and select Young Persons Sangha from the dropdown list.
Sacramento Dharma Center Building
3111 Wissemann Drive Sacramento,
CA
95826United States+ Google Map
The Young Persons Sangha is a meditation group for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The group meets in-person every other Wednesday at the Sacramento Dharma Center.
Offer a Donation
Use the following donate button and select Young Persons Sangha from the dropdown list.
Sacramento Dharma Center Building
3111 Wissemann Drive Sacramento,
CA
95826United States+ Google Map
Thursday Night Talks Zoom Link (Apr-May-Jun)
NewsIf you want to attend any of our Thursday night talks remotely via Zoom (April 3 through June 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: 824 3438 6704 & Passcode: 244812.
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 Thursday, July 3, the Join Meeting on Zoom details will change to use Meeting ID: 846 4947 9345 and Passcode: 111759
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
The shortcode is missing a valid Donation Form ID attribute.
5/15/2025 “Reflections on Time and Timeless Awakening” with JD Doyle
Audio DharmaWe will look at the timeless nature of the Dharma, exploring the question ~ What if time is part of the root of suffering? We’ll look at the impact of attachment to schedules and productivity and some of the ways that Buddhist teachings challenge these conventional understandings. And how as we practice and see more clearly, we the possibility of liberation from suffering for ourselves and our communities deepen.
(Onsite) Sit and Afternoon Tea with Diana Clark
Weekly MeditationMay 30 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm PDT
Insight Meditation and Afternoon Tea with SIM Teacher Diana Clark
For biographical details of the teacher Diana Clark, click here.
Please join us in welcoming our new faculty member, Diana Clark, to the SIM community. We’ll begin with a 30-minute sit, followed by an afternoon tea with light refreshments—a chance to get to know Diana and enjoy time together as a sangha. We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you there!
Use the GOING button shown below to submit an RSVP to this event. You won’t need to print the confirmation ticket.
Tea with Diana
Offer a Teacher Donation
Diana Clark will receive at least 75% of your donation.
Use the following donate button and select Friday Tea May 30 from the dropdown list.
Sacramento Dharma Center Building
Sacramento, CA 95826 United States + Google Map
5/1/2025 “The Skandhas and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness” with Tony Bernhard
Audio DharmaThe skandhas and the four foundations of mindfulness map the same experiential territory. We’ll explore how seeing this can change our practice and point to a deeper understanding of not-self.
Launching Our Five-Year Pledge Campaign
NewsRooted in the Dharma: Creating the Future Together
This year, we have launched SIM’s Five-Year Plan – a series of transformative efforts to guide SIM through the next five years. It embodies a dynamic vision of the future where SIM remains grounded in the Dharma and evolving to meet the needs of our sangha for future generations.
Through this plan, we will • Expand our core faculty by integrating Diana Clark, Walt Opie, and Vance Pryor as Dharma leaders. • Offer deeper practice opportunities with a diversity of topics and perspectives, including coordinated Dharma talks, and spring and fall courses. • Introduce three-day in-person teaching events led by each faculty member four times per year. • Continue popular courses like A Year to Live, Beginning Meditation Course, as well as adding new offerings. • Support faculty integration through collaborative meetings for mutual growth and leadership development. • Create continuity as our core faculty —Dennis Warren, Diane Wilde, and Rich Howard—begin to step back, passing the torch to our next generation of teachers and leaders. • Sustain the administrative and technical support needed to assist the Board and Faculty.
Our Path Forward
The Five-Year Plan is a bold and inspiring vision for SIM’s future—and it comes with additional costs to bring it to life. A central part of this plan is supporting our three new teachers with modest annual stipends totaling $33,000. We’ve also expanded our administrative capacity by hiring a part-time Operations Manager to help support our Board and Faculty and sustain our programs.
While we’ve taken meaningful steps to reduce costs and increase revenue, it is essential that we raise additional funds to stay on this path. To meet this need, we are launching a pledge campaign to raise $165,000 over the next five years. This is a special commitment—above and beyond your current donations—that will allow SIM to meet immediate needs, ensure long-term financial stability, and rebuild our reserves.
For the past 22 years, SIM has been a place of deep practice—rooted in the Dharma, guided by dedicated teachers, and sustained by the strength of our community. Together, we can ensure that SIM continues to thrive as a refuge for wisdom, in-depth practice, and spiritual friendship.
We invite you to join us in supporting this vision by making a pledge to the Five-Year Plan.
Thank you for your generosity and your ongoing commitment to the Dharma!
With deep gratitude,
Amy Kovak
SIM Board President on behalf of the SIM Board and Faculty
Scroll down this page to view the Frequently Asked Question section.
To Make a Pledge
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m concerned that the new teachers are not local and will only be teaching on Zoom.
Almost from SIM’s inception, we’ve had the unusual good fortune of having three local teachers. This is the exception to the rule for nearly all mid-level meditation communities in California who are peer lead or rely on visiting teachers. Our three new faculty – Diana, Walt, and Vance – will collectively teach 50% of their scheduled events in-person in Sacramento this coming year. They are committed to developing a close relationship with the SIM community, including mentoring opportunities and new course offerings. This change in format calls for SIM and our community to remain flexible and adaptable, so we can continue offering high-quality teachings from both existing and new faculty.
How is SIM spending my donations?
The SIM Board takes its fiduciary responsibility very seriously and is committed to carefully stewarding the financial resources entrusted to us. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the projected expense budget and anticipated revenue for 2025.
How much should I give?
The amount you give is entirely up to you. To help guide your decision, we’ve outlined some sample pledge levels, and the number of donors needed at each level to reach our fundraising goal.
Do you see yourself at one of these levels?
I’m ready to pledge—how do I do it?
Thank you for your support! The first step is to fill out a pledge form, where you’ll provide your contact information and let us know your intended financial commitment.
From there, you can choose when to begin your first installment. Some people prefer to give monthly through PayPal—either by starting a new recurring donation or increasing an existing one. Others may choose to write a single check or give in installments by check (just note “Pledge Campaign Donation” in the memo line). You can also make a charitable gift through a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) or stock if that fits your situation. There’s flexibility in how and when you give—whatever works best for you.
To make your pledge, please visit: https://sactoinsight.org/generosity/sim-5-year-pledge-campaign/ .
I’m afraid to make a commitment because these are such uncertain times.
We understand—these are politically and economically uncertain times, and it’s natural to feel the urge to hold on more tightly to what we have. But it’s in these very moments that the refuge of the Dharma and the support of a caring sangha become even more vital. Contributing to SIM is an investment in what is steady, wholesome, and deeply needed in our world.
I’m new to the SIM community and don’t feel ready to commit to the Five-Year Pledge Campaign.
It’s completely understandable—everyone needs to reflect on what the SIM community and the Dharma mean to them, and how that fits into their life right now. If a five-year commitment doesn’t feel right at this time, you might consider becoming a monthly donor instead. It’s a meaningful way to support SIM at a level that works for you.
You can sign up to be a monthly donor here: https://sactoinsight.org/generosity/general_donation
To view these FAQs in PDF format, click here.
4/24/2025 “Falling in Love with Meditation Practice” with Walt Opie
Audio DharmaAt some point, hopefully we begin to fall in love with meditation and the inherent wisdom we gain from this path of practice. This means we really make it a top priority, not because we “should” or think it’s a good idea, but because we start to see the tangible benefits manifesting in our life. We may also begin to get a sense of spiritual urgency or samvega. We understand that meditation can be a stable, reliable refuge for us even during the difficult times in our lives.
Tea with Walt (Friday, Apr 25)
NewsPlease join us in welcoming our new faculty member, Walt Opie, to the SIM community. CLICK HERE for details and to RSVP.
(Onsite) Sit and Afternoon Tea with Walt Opie
Weekly MeditationApril 25 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm PDT
Insight Meditation and Afternoon Tea with SIM Teacher Walt Opie
For biographical details of the teacher Walt Opie, click here.
Please join us in welcoming our new faculty member, Walt Opie, to the SIM community. We’ll begin with a 30-minute sit, followed by an afternoon tea with light refreshments—a chance to get to know Walt and enjoy time together as a sangha. We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you there!
Use the GOING button shown below to submit an RSVP to this event. You won’t need to print the confirmation ticket.
Offer a Teacher Donation
Walt Opie will receive at least 75% of your donation.
Use the following donate button and select Fri – Apr 25 Walt from the dropdown list.
Sacramento Dharma Center Building
Sacramento, CA 95826 United States + Google Map
(Onsite) Young Persons Sangha
Young Person SanghaJuly 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PDT
The Young Persons Sangha is a meditation group for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The group meets in-person every other Wednesday at the Sacramento Dharma Center.
Offer a Donation
Use the following donate button and select Young Persons Sangha from the dropdown list.
Sacramento Dharma Center Building
Sacramento, CA 95826 United States + Google Map
(Onsite) Young Persons Sangha
Young Person SanghaJuly 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PDT
The Young Persons Sangha is a meditation group for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The group meets in-person every other Wednesday at the Sacramento Dharma Center.
Offer a Donation
Use the following donate button and select Young Persons Sangha from the dropdown list.
Sacramento Dharma Center Building
Sacramento, CA 95826 United States + Google Map
(Onsite) Young Persons Sangha
Young Person SanghaJune 18 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PDT
The Young Persons Sangha is a meditation group for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The group meets in-person every other Wednesday at the Sacramento Dharma Center.
Offer a Donation
Use the following donate button and select Young Persons Sangha from the dropdown list.
Sacramento Dharma Center Building
Sacramento, CA 95826 United States + Google Map