A Path of Calm, Clarity, and Insight
Many people today first encounter Buddhist meditation through the modern mindfulness movement. I got into Buddhist meditation back in 1980 before there even was such a thing.
Now mindfulness is everywhere— in phone apps, hospitals, therapy offices, schools, and workplaces. But many folks I speak with don’t know these practices have their roots in ancient Buddhist traditions that go back more than 2,600 years.
The approach here is closely aligned with Insight Meditation—a contemporary expression of early Buddhist practice that began in the West during the 1970s.
Among the first group of Western teachers trained in Asia were Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, and Sharon Salzberg, who later helped establish meditation centers in the United States devoted to the serious practice of insight meditation.
Meditation Instructions
If you are new to practice, listen to these brief audio instructions on sitting, walking, and mindfulness to experience the simplicity and depth of this tradition.
- Brief Instructions for Sitting Meditation (05:14)
- Instructions for Walking Meditation (06:47)
- Mindfulness Meditation as a Buddhist Practice (06:16)
Mindfulness as a life practice
Here, Gil Fronsdal introduces mindfulness as a valuable skill for formal meditation. Beyond the cushion, developing this awareness deeply enhances our everyday experience.
- Mindfulness of Breath (1:24:47)
- Mindfulness of Body (20:04)
- Mindfulness of Emotions (1:35:07)
- Mindfulness of Thoughts (1:33:42)
- Mindfulness of Mind (1:25:47)
- Mindfulness in Daily Life (1:35:00)
Reflections on meditation practice
If you would like to dive deeper into this style of meditation, explore our suggested reading list. You might also find these personal reflections helpful: sit quietly and observe your thoughts and broken wings.
You might find the talks below, given by prominent Western teachers in this tradition of Buddhist meditation, both helpful and inspiring.
Six talks given by contemporary teachers of insight meditation influenced by Early Buddhism.
Gil Fronsdal is a Buddhist teacher known for integrating Zen and Insight Meditation. He founded the Insight Meditation Center (IMC) in Redwood City, California. Fronsdal has practiced in the U.S. and Asia since 1975, and holds a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from Stanford University.
Joseph Goldstein is a key figure in introducing Insight Meditation to the West. He is co-founded the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts, in 1976. He is also a prolific author, known for books like Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening and One Dharma.
Sharon Salzberg is a pioneer in bringing Insight Meditation to the West, co-founding the Insight Meditation Society (IMS). Tuere Sala a retired prosecutor, teaches at Seattle Insight Meditation Society and brings meditation to those with past trauma.
Leigh Brasington has practiced meditation since 1985 and is a senior student of the late Ven. He specializes in the jhanas—which are deep states of mental focus. He is the author of Right Concentration: A Practical Guide to the Jhanas.
Kamala Masters teaches at the Insight Meditation Society and co-founder of the Vipassana Metta Foundation on Maui. Practicing since the 1970s, she emphasizes kindness, awareness and compassion in everyday life.
Steve Armstrong has practiced Insight Meditation since 1975. He co-founded Vipassana Metta Foundation on Maui and teaches mindfulness, awareness, and liberating understanding internationally.