This event is the in-person version of a hybrid yearlong program which will take place both in-person and online. To register for the online version of this event, click here.
Payment plans available. Please see options below.
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.
Schedule and assigned teachers
This meets on the following Saturdays from 10am to 4pm PT:
- September 20, 2025 Melissa
- October 18, 2025 Celeste
- November 15, 2025 Melissa
- December 13, 2025 Melissa
- January 24, 2026 Gullu
- February 21, 2026 Gullu
- March 21, 2026 Melissa
- April 18, 2026 Gullu
- May 16, 2026 Celeste
- June 6, 2026 Celeste
Schedule
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
Where is this event located?
This event will take place in person at the Santa Monica Meditation Center. Find directions, parking and accessibility information here.
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.
Payment Plan Options
The total cost, including a $43.75 transaction fee, is $1,295, rounded up. We’re happy to offer flexible payment options to make registration easier:
✅ 2 payments of $648
✅ 3 payments of $432
✅ 4 payments of $325
How it works:
- Email alexis@insightla.org to let us know which payment option works best for you.
- We’ll set it up and send you your first invoice.
- Once you pay the first invoice, the remaining payments will be set to autopay.
- After you’ve paid the first invoice, email alexis@insightla.org and CC office@insightla.org to receive instructions for completing your registration.
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 knowledgable 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.”