Frequently Asked Questions
This Q&A collection is a work in progress! If you have a question or topic that is not addressed here, please contact us with your question.
What is the format for your Thursday evening meetings?
Our Thursday evening meetings are a mix of virtual and in-person gatherings. Virtual meetings are on Zoom. You can find all of the information you need to join us including the Zoom link and dial-in options by heading over to our Events page. Please check the events calendar to check for meeting type.
Our online events look something like this:
We meet on Zoom at 7:30pm. Participants are encouraged to enable the video option in Zoom in order to create a sense of shared community and to feel connected, but if you prefer not to then go ahead and leave it disabled.
A guided meditation begins shortly after our scheduled start time and lasts about 30 minutes.
A Dharma talk and/or discussion follows. the guided meditation.
We aim to end by 9:00 pm.
Do I need to attend an introductory class before I come to a regular Thursday night sitting?
There are no prerequisites for attending on Thursday night other than an interest in awakening. In the near future, we hope to offer a brief orientation session before our regular gathering. The intention is to give newcomers an opportunity to learn about our history, lineage, and practice in a small group format and to get answers to any questions they have.
Where can I learn how to meditate?
Please see our Guided Meditation page for instructions.
Is there a fee for Thursday night?
There is no set fee for the class. The teachers are supported by dana, an important practice within the Buddhist tradition. Dana (pronounced "dah-na") is a Pali word meaning generosity. Dating back to the time of the Buddha, an interdependence has existed between those who offer the teachings and those who receive them.
According to the Buddha, generosity, or sharing what we have, is one of the central pillars of a spiritual life. In the act of giving, we develop our ability to let go, cultivate a spirit of caring, and acknowledge the inter-connectedness that we all share. It is a basis of wholesome karma. The Buddha created a system to develop this quality of open-handedness whereby those who share the teachings are dependent on those who receive them. Monks and nuns go on daily alms rounds with a begging bowl, relying on the generosity of lay people for support in continuing their teaching and spiritual life.
It is the practice of dana that has kept the Buddhist tradition alive for more than 2,600 years in Asia, where committed supporters have given generously to establish networks of monasteries and retreat centers providing for millions of teachers and practitioners.
There is no "right amount" since each person's circumstance is different. The principle is that dana should be a source of joy to the one giving. The teachers share the teachings in this spirit of generosity. We gratefully receive the support of all who find value on them.
To give dana to Insight Berkeley teachers, please click here.
What does it mean to be a member of the Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley?
Anyone who comes on Thursday evenings, subscribes to our email lists, or participates in our activities is a member. There is no need to officially join. We welcome your participation in all our activities.
What is meant by metta or loving kindness?
Metta or “loving kindness” refers to a state of openness of heart that wishes happiness to all beings, including oneself.
What do the words Buddha, dharma, and sangha mean?
Buddha refers to both the historical being who lived and taught 2500 years ago and to our true nature of wisdom and compassion. The word literally means “one who is awake”.
Dharma or dhamma refers to both the way things are (ultimate truth) and the Buddha’s teachings that reveal this truth.
Sangha means community. It traditionally refers to the community of monks and nuns, but we extend the definition to include all those who share our meditation practice.
What does Vipassana mean?
Vipassana or “insight meditation” means to see things as they really are through the practice of cultivating mindfulness, learning to be aware and present each moment without clinging or aversion. From this state arises clear seeing, wisdom, and compassion.