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SIM meets online and in-person at the Sacramento Dharma Center
What is Dana?
Dana is a Buddhist word that means generosity or heart. Nearly all Sacramento Insight Meditation activities are offered on a dana (donations) basis. This means our programs 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. Practice dana, please support our Sangha. DONATE NOW
10/2/2025 “The Mirage of Self and the Liberation of the Heart” with Tony Bernhard
Audio DharmaThe Mirage of Self and the Liberation of the Heart
Registration Now Open (From Meditation Obstacles to Meditation Objects)
Course Portal, NewsRegistration is now open for this four week online course facilitated by SIM Teacher Diana Clark.
As anyone who has tried to establish a meditation practice knows, different mind states often arise that make meditation (and living our wisest life) difficult. Please join us as we explore and discuss well-known obstructions, the “Five Hindrances.” In this course we’ll explore how to skillfully address sensual desire, ill will, sloth & torpor, restlessness & worry and doubt using mindfulness and practical antidotes. We’ll practice how to turn these potential stumbling blocks into stepping stones to greater ease and happiness. The course will include talks, guided meditations and discussions.
This course meets remotely via Zoom for four consecutive Tuesday evenings on November 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025 from 7pm to 8:30pm.
For registration details, visit https://sactoinsight.org/event/5-hindrances-2025/
9/25/2025 “Equanimity: Holding Lightly, Living Fully” with Diana Clark
Audio DharmaThis talk explores equanimity—a steadiness of heart that allows us to meet life’s challenges. Through stories, similes, and reflections, we’ll see how equanimity is not indifference but a warm, caring presence that holds life lightly while engaging fully.
9/18/2025 “Generosity As an Antidote and a Doorway” with Dennis Warren
Audio DharmaThe Historical Buddha considered Generosity the first and foundational parami (or essential quality of mind & heart that leads to awakening.) It’s use as an antidote, as well as a path of practice, can support a rich experience of daily life and the simultaneous development of gradual awakening.
This evening will place Generosity in the context of the Historical Buddha’s psychology and teachings. We’ll look closely at Generosity as an antidote to a number of problematic states of mind and habits of reactivity.
(Onsite) Young Persons Sangha
Young Person SanghaDecember 31, 2025 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PST
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 SanghaDecember 17, 2025 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PST
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 SanghaDecember 3, 2025 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PST
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 SanghaNovember 19, 2025 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PST
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
9/11/2025 “Why Is Offering Forgiveness So Difficult” with Diane Wilde
Audio DharmaWhat happens when we refuse to forgive? We’ve all felt it—holding on to insults or painful actions done to us, or replaying the memory of harm caused to others. Old wounds harden into resentment, anger drains our energy, and self-blame keeps us stuck in the past. Buddhism offers another way: forgiveness as a path to freedom. By letting go of grudges, daring to ask for forgiveness, and softening toward ourselves, we release the poisons that cloud the heart. In doing so, we also loosen the grip of the restless ego.
Tonight’s talk will offer some inspirational stories of forgiveness and will invite you to explore forgiveness in your own lives. Genuine forgiveness is not a weakness or forgetting, but is a courageous practice that restores peace, clarity, and compassion.
9/4/2025 “The Buddha’s Antidotes for Challenging Times: Gratitude” with Walt Opie
Audio DharmaGuided Meditation (the first part of the meditation is missing – the audio was not clear)
Dharma Talk
In the suttas, the Buddha encouraged us to be grateful and thankful. Intentionally cultivating gratitude even during challenging times helps serve as an antidote to the negative bias of the mind. Otherwise, we often focus too much of our energy on what is wrong or lacking in our lives, rather than appreciating the many simple blessings all around us. Being grateful also counters tendencies towards greed, envy, jealousy and pride.