The Blue Mountains Insight Meditation Centre provides facilities for the teaching and practice of satipaṭṭhāna vipassanā or insight meditation in the tradition of the late Venerable Mahāsi Sayādaw of Burma. The Centre seeks its inspiration in the Buddhist Theravadan tradition and aims to develop an Australian Buddhism. Courses are taught by visiting teachers, including monks and nuns from Burma and other countries.
The Centre is located in a tranquil setting in the small town of Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains, two hours by train from Sydney.
Buddha Sasana Association of Australia
The Blue Mountains Insight Meditation Centre is owned and managed by a non-profit association called the Buddha Sasana Association of Australia Incorporated (ABN 11 005 353 218).
The Buddha Sasana Association of Australia was founded in 1981 and incorporated as an association in 1986.
Around 1992, the association decided to establish its Centre at 25 Rutland Road, Medlow Bath with the aim of providing organised instruction on the practice and theory of Buddhist meditation on a regular and continuing basis. Since then, teaching at the Blue Mountains Insight Meditation Centre has been provided by qualified Buddhist monks, nuns and lay people to small groups of up to 20 students. All students who attend a course at the Centre are monitored by one or more teachers who will offer appropriate guidance and support to assist students in their understanding of the meditation practice and related Buddhist teachings.
The association is managed by a committee of up to 8 members who meet at least 4 times a year to oversee the Centre’s operations and development. The day to day work of the Centre is carried out by a part time co-ordinator, resident care taker and retreat co-ordinator with support from numerous volunteers.
The association’s income is primarily derived from fees paid by people who attend courses at the Centre and from donations.
The association is a member of the Buddhist Council of NSW Inc which is an umbrella organisation for Buddhist groups in this state.
The association is also registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and endorsed as an income tax exempt charitable entity with deductible gift recipient status for it school building fund. Blue Mountains City Council has granted the association an exemption from rates, and the NSW Office of State Revenue has granted an exemption from land tax on the association’s Medlow Bath property.
Inclusivity
BMIMC is committed to cultivating a community that reflects the diversity of our society and our world. We believe that our community will benefit from diversity, as a wide range of human experiences and viewpoints broadens and enriches the understanding of all. We welcome the inclusion and participation of people of diverse identities, including those of all races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, classes, religions, abilities, and ages, that all may feel welcome, safe and respected within this community.