Visual History

A Photographic History of IMS

Since our modest beginning on February 14, 1976, countless meditators have passed through IMS's doors, finding their spiritual home. In celebration of more than 30 years of offering retreats, we’ve compiled a photographic history. Click below to explore the changing scenes of IMS life over the decades.

The First Decade: 1976 - 1986
The Second Decade: 1986 - 1996
The Third Decade: 1996 - 2006
Changing Seasons

Links to Rare Film Footage

The following films present a rare opportunity to see our teachers’ teachers.

Buddhist Meditation Masters

Shot in 1969, this sequence shows Theravada lineage masters Anagarika Munindra and Dipa Ma in India as well as Mahasi Sayadaw in Burma.

Ordination Ceremony

This film from Jack Kornfield captures Western meditation students, including Joseph Goldstein and other IMS teachers, taking ordination at Anagarika Munindra’s center in Bodh Gaya, India, in 1982.  There is also footage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Burmese meditation master Taungpulu Sayadaw.

Dipa Ma Visits IMS

Beloved teacher Dipa Ma first visited IMS in 1980. This footage, shot by Jack Kornfield, shows her at Gaston Pond, in the meditation hall and at other locations around IMS.