This event is the online version of a hybrid yearlong program which will take place both in-person and online. To register for the in-person version of this event, click here.
Join InsightLA teachers Celeste Young, Gullu Singh, and Melissa McKay for a year-long study program on meditation and Buddhist practice. This program is tailored for laypeople, focusing on integrating these practices into our daily lives—within our communities, families, jobs, relationships, and the world.
The program will cover key aspects of the Buddhist path, including meditation, mindfulness, concentration, virtue, faith and confidence, loving-kindness, and more, all aimed at overcoming negative mind states and alleviating suffering.
Through this program, you will:
- Discover the ancient Buddhist texts with poetic stories and advice for life
- Gain a deeper understanding of the mind and the laws of nature
- Make new friends and be a part of a welcoming and genuine community
- Grow the positive habits of mindfulness, love, generosity, virtue and wisdom.
The program will consist of one daylong of practice and study per month along and meetings with smaller groups in order to support you in putting the various themes into practice in your life.
Generosity
This 10-month hybrid program is offered on a dana (donation) basis, in the traditional spirit of Buddhist teachings. The Buddha emphasized dana—generosity—as the foundation of the path. Giving freely supports the teachings, the community, and our own hearts, cultivating non-attachment, loving-kindness, and interconnection. The dharma itself has always been offered through the generosity of teachers and practitioners, allowing it to flow freely to all who seek it.
dharma.org
How dana works for this program:
At registration, your donation goes directly to InsightLA to support the center, its operations, and making programs accessible to everyone.
During each Saturday meeting, there will be a dedicated opportunity to offer dana directly to the teacher leading that session. This is a beautiful way to express gratitude for the teachings and support the teacher’s ability to continue sharing the dharma.
There is no fixed fee. Please give according to your means and the value you receive. Generosity looks different for everyone—some may give more, some less—and all contributions are deeply appreciated. If you are able to give more abundantly, it helps sustain the program and supports those with fewer resources. If finances are tight right now, please still join us; your presence and practice are valuable gifts to the community. We trust in the power of dana to keep these teachings alive and accessible, just as they have been for thousands of years. May this program be of benefit to all.
Schedule and assigned teachers
This meets on the following Saturdays from 10am to 4pm PT:
- September 26, 2026 – Melissa
- October 24, 2026 – Melissa
- November 21, 2026 – Celeste
- December 19, 2026 – Melissa
- January 23, 2027 – Gullu
- February 20, 2027 – Gullu
- March 20, 2027 – Melissa
- April 17, 2027 – Celeste
- May 15, 2027 – Celeste
- June 12, 2027 – Gullu
Schedule (in Pacific Time)
10am-10:45am – Meditation
10:45-11:45 – Review and Breakout groups
11:45-12:45pm- First Session
12:45pm-1:30 – Lunch
1:30-2:15 – Meditation
2:15-3:15 – Second Session
3:15-4pm – Meditation
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
1. Is it okay to register for the in-person option and participate remotely on some dates when I cannot attend in person?
Yes, this is okay. The Zoom link will be included in the auto-confirmation email for both in-person and online participants.
2. Will there be reading and practices during the month or will it be strictly once a month?
Yes, there will be readings and optional meetings with breakout groups, and check in with other students.
3. Will this be recorded?
This event will be recorded and a link to each recording will be added to the Homepage document. This document will be shared with all registered students before the yearlong program starts.
Testimonials for the Meditation and Buddhist Practice Program 2024
“The year long Buddhist practice course enhanced my life in so many ways. Life was too busy to take a proper retreat this year but getting a day-long once a month was so enriching. Each teacher brought a difference perspective of wisdom and deep direct experience. I learned a lot each week and felt inspired to deepen my personal practice. I increased my daily meditation time and I haven’t missed a day since the beginning of this course. The Insight LA space is great and sitting in a room with others who are now friends has been transformational for me. This is a great program for those who want to learn about the dharma, share space with others doing the same, and cultivate mindfulness, peace and equanimity in one’s heart and in the world.” -Kelly M
“This course was great! The various teachers are knowledgeable and presented the different topics in a clear and relevant manner. The meditation sessions helped me to strengthen my own practice outside of class. I also enjoyed the small groups we formed each session because it gave us an opportunity to get to know the other students and share our experiences.” -Kathryn S.
“Because the teachers were each so different, the course helped me to learn which styles of teaching and practice work best for me. I now have a better sense of the variety in our Vipassana tradition, and I feel more confident in my own choices of teachers to follow and style of practice.”
“I really feel I got a lot out of the course. The teachers were excellent, and the students were as well. I learned a great deal from both. In addition, the cost was also very reasonable. I definitely will be participating in the year long program again.”
