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 Knowing
What 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.

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: 115163)
For tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

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.

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: 115163)
For tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

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.

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: 115163)
For tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

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 Effort
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.

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.

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: 115163)
For tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.