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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
2/5/2026 “Right Concentration” with Walt Opie
Audio DharmaAs 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.
Protected: Cultivating The Seven Factors – Audio Dharma
Study GroupProtected: 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.
(Hybrid) Non-Residential Retreat (3 of 3)
Online Remote, RetreatMarch 18 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm PDT
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
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
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
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
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
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.