Insight Meditation Society

1230 Pleasant Street
Barre, MA 01005
Telephone: (978) 355-4378
Website: www.dharma.org
Attn: Robert V. Agoglia

The Foundation made a grant in 2009 in the amount of $10,000 payable over two years in connection with Insight Meditation Society’s “People of Color” and “Young Adult” Retreats. The Retreats provide an in-depth experience of the Buddha’s teachings on mindful awareness, with meditation instruction, half-hour sitting and walking periods, facilitated discussion groups, meditative arts and free time. This allows young adults to develop and value their natural spirituality within a supportive environment. There is much evidence to suggest that the training in Buddhist meditation received by participants' acts as a resource long after their retreat ends. Participants carry greater wisdom, self-reliance and compassion back into their daily life relationships and activities, creating a ripple effect. These retreats are offered to participants at a reduced rate based on their ability to pay (with a minimum requirement of $10 per day), and the purpose of the Foundation’s grant was to cover part of the shortfall for two of the courses offered in 2009 and 2010.