Welcome to Sydney Insight Meditators
SIM is a not-for-profit association to support insight (or vipassana) meditation, a practice that the Buddha himself founded over 2500 years ago. SIM organises workshops, talks and retreats with both Australia-based and overseas renowned meditation teachers. The programs, except where noted, are suitable for beginning as well as experienced meditators. SIM does not offer weekly sittings but is affiliated with several local meditation groups (sanghas) which do.
What is Insight meditation?
Insight (Vipassana) meditation is the simple and direct practice of moment-to-moment mindfulness. Through careful and sustained observation, we experience for ourselves the ever-changing flow of the mind/body process. This awareness leads us to accept more fully the pleasure and pain, fear and joy, sadness and happiness that life inevitably brings. As insight deepens, we develop greater equanimity and peace in the face of change, and wisdom and compassion increasingly become the guiding principles of our lives. Insight meditation teaches individuals how to bring insight to their life experiences, whatever they may be and in whatever walk of life.
History of Insight Meditation
A feature of Insight meditation as a form of Buddhism is that it is has minimal ritual. It accords with such values as equality, democratic and non-hierarchical organizations, inclusiveness and tolerance. There are many styles of Insight meditation and teachers with different approaches. A common thread is that they all have a focus on settling the mind, developing a level of clarity, and looking carefully at one's experience. Aims of Insight meditation include coming to a deep understanding of who, what and how we are, and finding a sense of connection with, and compassion for, other living beings.
For a more in-depth view on what distinguishes secular Insight Meditation in Australia from other forms of Buddhism, one view - not the only view - is presented in Volume 8 of the Journal of Global Buddhism in an article titled The Emergence of Secular Insight Practice in Australia.