Our Mission
The Insight Meditation Community of Charlotte is dedicated to the practice of Insight (Vipassana) Meditation and Lovingkindness (Metta) Meditation. As reflected in the Theravada Buddhist teachings, the community is intended to be a place where a diverse group of people, who seek freedom of heart and mind, can come together to foster mindfulness, sympathetic joy, equanimity and compassion. We practice and study with the intention of integrating and manifesting wisdom and compassion in all aspects of our lives.
Sangha History
In the fall of 2009, Joy LiBethe, a psychologist, created an Insight Meditation sangha in Charlotte, recognizing the importance of meditating with a community. Starting as a small group, the Insight Meditation Community of Charlotte (IMC Charlotte) has grown into a large, vibrant community. The group is an educational (rather than religious) non-profit organization devoted to the study and practice of the Buddha’s liberating teachings.
We welcome individuals of all (or no) religious traditions who share an interest in the practice of Insight (Vipassana) Meditation. We offer weekly Dharma talks, study series (such as the Noble Eightfold Path), retreats, service events, book discussions, movie nights, a monthly newsletter, and social gatherings. We host guest speakers, which have included Sharon Salzberg, Phillip Moffitt, David Chernikoff, and Tibetan monks as well as our local monastic, Ayya Suddhamma.
Events are either free or include modest registration fees. Scholarships are available for all events. As part of our tradition, voluntary dana (donation) for our operating expenses and as a gift to the Dharma Leader(s) is appreciated.
