Welcome
Our Rich History and Ongoing Community
Ancient Roots, Modern Practice
Vipassana, or Insight Meditation, has flourished in Asia for 2,500 years as a cornerstone of Buddhist spiritual development. This profound practice develops concentration and awareness by focusing attention on breath, thoughts, and emotions, helping practitioners understand the conditioning patterns of the mind.
Through patient observation and gentle attention, meditators learn to live more fully in each present moment, cultivating wisdom and compassion that extends far beyond formal sitting practice.
Houston’s Meditation Legacy
Insight Meditation Houston began in 1980 when Rodney Smith brought authentic Vipassana teachings to our city. Having ordained with the renowned Mahasi Sayadaw in Burma and practiced intensively for three years with Ajahn Buddhadasa in Thailand, Rodney established a solid foundation rooted in traditional Buddhist wisdom.
After Rodney’s departure in 1983, our dedicated community has maintained weekly gatherings and continues hosting transformative retreats at the peaceful Margaret Austin Center near Chappell Hill, Texas—a tranquil rural sanctuary perfect for deeper practice.
Our approach
Our Mission
We are a Buddhist insight meditation sangha rooted in the spirit of refuge: refuge in the Dharma, in one another, and in the possibility of awakening in this very life.
Insight Meditation Houston is a Buddhist insight meditation community dedicated to the path of inner freedom through mindfulness, ethical living, and wisdom. We offer a space of refuge for all who seek to wake up—through meditation, spiritual friendship, and the liberating teachings of the Buddha.
We are rooted in the Vipassana tradition, welcoming people of all backgrounds to explore the Dharma in their own way and at their own pace. Our commitment is to preserve the integrity of the teachings while fostering a compassionate, non-ideological space for sincere practice, inquiry, and awakening.
Our Values
Guiding the Heart of Insight Meditation Houston
At Insight Meditation Houston, we hold these five values as foundational to our community life and practice:
1. Remembering Our Purpose Whether you come seeking peace, insight, healing, or belonging—we honor that deep inner call. We return to it often, letting it guide our practice and our sangha.
2. Rooted in the Dharma We are guided by the timeless teachings of the Buddha. The Dharma—not personal beliefs or political ideologies—is our shared anchor. We aspire to offer clear, meaningful, and tradition-rooted teachings that support real transformation.
3. Welcoming Without Condition All are welcome here. We embrace people of all identities, backgrounds, and life experiences. No one is expected to fit a mold. True community arises from inclusion, not conformity.
4. Silence, Presence & Wise Speech We honor silence as sacred. It is through stillness that insight deepens. When we speak, we aim to speak mindfully—with honesty, kindness, and clarity.
5. Practicing Together, Not Preaching at One Another This is a space for shared learning—not performance, persuasion, or debate. We value humility, authenticity, and respectful curiosity. We meet each other not as authorities, but as companions on the path.