International Meditation Center USA

Westminster, Maryland

The International Meditation Center USA was founded in 1988 to provide facilities for the instruction and practice of Theravada Buddhist Meditation. Along with the four other International Meditation Centers in the West, it is a direct offshoot of the International Meditation Center of Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Rangoon, Burma), which was founded by Sayagyi U Ba Khin. In addition to being a highly respected meditation teacher, Sayagyi U Ba Khin was the first Accountant General of Burma after Independence in 1948.

	The focal point of the Center is the Dhamma Yaung Chi Ceti (Light of the Dhamma Pagoda). It is set on the highest point of our hilltop property and is a local landmark, being visible from miles around. This beautiful Pagoda is modeled on the Pagoda at the International Meditation Center, Yangon, Myanmar, and is similar in design to the Pagodas at our five other centers around the world. It was built and dedicated in 1991. The domes were extensively refashioned and gilded in the summers of 1998 and 1999, and a rededication ceremony, along with the installation of new htis (dome ornaments), took place in May, 2000. The Pagoda has seven cells for meditation and an eighth cell that houses a Buddha shrine. Local students use the Pagoda daily for meditation practice.

Who runs the Center?

IMC is a non-profit religious organization, supported completely by donations. It is run by local students under the guidance of our teacher, Mother Sayamagyi. Local students see to the daily administrative tasks at the center. Our two resident teachers live adjacent to the center. With the help of local students who cook and manage, they conduct most of the courses at our center.

	Meditation courses are conducted in the Dhamma Hall. Cushions are provided to sit on, though seniors or others who have difficulty sitting on the floor are welcome to use chairs. The daily schedule consists mostly of meditation, with two Dhamma talks, in the early morning and evening, when various aspects of the meditation, our tradition, and Theravada Buddhism are explained. New students meet twice daily with the teachers for interviews; the teachers are also available at other times in the day when needed. The management tries to provide the students with all the support they need in order to gain the full benefit of the ten-day retreat period.

	This is our kitchen and dining room. Wholesome and tasty vegetarian food is served on our courses. Breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m. Lunch at 11 a.m. is the main meal of the day. New students can also take a light meal in the evening at 5 p.m., but old students normally observe eight precepts and don't take food after noon. The dining area is open at all times and students are free to take refreshments there. Students with special dietary needs shoud indicate this on their application forms.

Accommodations

Students attending retreats are accommodated in our dormitories. Men's and women's facilities are entirely separate. Students should expect to share a room with at least one other student on our larger courses (typically in the summer), though it is possible on smaller retreats at other times of year that you will have a room of your own.

The grounds

Seven acres of grounds provide a pleasant area for relaxation, away from most of the noises of civilization -- barring the occasional farm machine. The pine trees that surround the center provide a perimeter walk for students wishing to take exercise between meditation sessions. Our center is at the end of a private road, far removed from the distractions of the world and an ideal setting for a period of retreat.

Costs

Students are asked to contribute $350 per 10-day course as a contribution towards the cost of food, heat and light. There is no charge for the teaching. Those with financial difficulties are invited to approach the management.

Regional Map

Where Are We?

See the little green crosshairs on the map? That's us. IMC-USA is located on a hilltop in the rolling countryside of rural Maryland, just south of the Pennsylvania border. The nearest airports are Baltimore (also called BWI) and Harrisburg, PA. The nearest Amtrak station is Baltimore. The nearest buses stop in Baltimore or York, PA. By driving we are one hour from Baltimore, two hours from Washington, three hours from Philadelphia, and about five hours from New York City.

How do I get there by car?

Published by the International Meditation Center
IMC-USA
4920 Rose Drive
Westminster MD 21158
USA
Tel: +1 410 346 7889

If your questions are not answered here on our website, please feel free to send us an e-mail or give us a call on 410 346 7889. You'll probably get the voicemail, but we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

imc "at" ubakhin "dot" org