Who We Are
Vision, Mission, and Purpose
Based in Portland, Oregon, the Portland Insight Meditation Community is an experiment in American Buddhism. We welcome people of all faiths, orientations, genders, abilities, ages, and racial/cultural backgrounds. The purpose of PIMC is to improve the lives of participants, their families and the greater community through meditative practice and a lifestyle that supports liberation from suffering, the awakening of wisdom, and the manifestation of compassion.
Rooted in the essential teachings of the Buddha, we are dedicated to awakening beyond the ritualism, sexism, hierarchy and other cultural artifacts that have characterized traditional religion. We value diversity and welcome anyone who is interested in investigating the inner life.
PIMC is a first generation Dharma center with origins in Burma, Thailand and India. Our practice is based upon the Noble Eightfold Path of the Buddha and the teachings that have been passed down through the Theravada lineage for 2500 years. These include a highly articulated map of consciousness and practices for setting oneself free from suffering. You are invited to investigate and see for yourself if this map of awakening is true for you. There is nothing you must believe in order to participate.
You don't need to be, or to become, a "Buddhist" to participate fully in the life of our community. The Buddha taught the Dharma, a way of awakening, understanding, love, compassion and happiness, that transcends cultural forms and dogmatic beliefs.
We understand the spiritual journey to be one of awakening in the world rather than escape or transcendence from life. Our intention is to empower people to live with impeccable integrity, the willingness to truly be themselves and the capacity to act powerfully with compassion in the world.
We acknowledge that the Earth and its resources are finite, and that our lives are inseparably interwoven with those of all other beings. We seek to understand our lives in the context of the web of life in which we co-exist, and to live respectfully and responsibly with all beings.
PIMC Aspiration
PURPOSE
Our purpose is to help reduce human suffering by offering the priceless teachings of the Dharma
VISION
Our vision is to be a dynamic center for awakening the heart and mind. We are a community that welcomes those seeking spiritual guidance. We offer the Buddha's teachings (on ethics, concentration, and wisdom) and serve current and future generations of spiritual seekers through all stages of life in order to reduce the cycle of personal and collective suffering.
MISSION
Our mission is to serve the spiritual well-being of all participants through the integration of insight meditation practice, foundational study programs, retreats, service and relationships that honor the Buddhas doctrines and disciplines within the context of contemporary society.
PIMC CORE VALUES
Our core values that guide us our kindness and non-harming, love, generosity, mindfulness and wisdom as we create authentic, nonjudgmental, inclusive and respectful community relationships.
PIMC'S LEADERSHIP ROLE IN THE GREATER COMMUNITY
PIMC is rooted in ancient sacred lineage, yet is relevant for today's evolving culture. We provide meaningful access to the Buddhist teachings and honor the historic authenticity of Buddhist doctrines, while adapting in meeting the spiritual needs of modern society.