Oxford Insight Meditation came into being in the mid 1990s, under the name Oxford Gaia House Retreats, to offer daylong meditation retreats taught by teachers associated with Gaia House, a Buddhist retreat centre in Devon. From the very beginning, the organisation has been run by volunteers who give their time, energy, and skills freely, to support the flourishing of our meditation community and to offer opportunities to anyone wishing to learn or develop their meditation practice and understanding of the teachings of the Buddha (Dharma).

Over the decades, the team of volunteers has benefited from new members bringing fresh ideas and perspectives, as well as the experience of those who have been part of the team for many years. In addition to our monthly retreat days, the programme of events has developed to include weekly meetings (the Monday Sitting Group), a monthly meeting (the Sunday Morning Meditation group), and occasional non-residential courses.

In 2017, Oxford Insight Meditation became a charity, with a board of trustees drawn from the existing team of volunteers. The day retreats continue to be run by the day retreat co-ordinators, under the overall guidance of the trustees.

Oxford Insight Meditation is entirely dependent for its income on those who benefit from what is offered. It is the intention of the trustees to continue to make the teachings available to everyone, and to foster a sense of mutual support, kindness, and generosity.

We welcome feedback, and are always delighted to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer and become part of the Oxford Insight Meditation team – please contact us at oxfordinsightmeditation@gmail.com

As a charity, we are also able to receive donations, and to reclaim Gift Aid when appropriate, to ensure that we can continue to provide a range of activities which are accessible to all, whatever their financial means.