Planning Your Retreat
A quick guide to your IMS retreat.
Arrive
Welcome! Our friendly staff will greet you upon arrival.
Please arrive at the Retreat Center between 2–5:00 pm on the opening day of your course. If you’ve never been to IMS before, we ask that you arrive by 5:00 pm at the latest. This will give you time to register and settle in to your room, before taking an orientation tour of the center and having a light dinner. The retreat will begin in the early evening.
Settle
Our bedrooms are simple, but comfortably furnished.
The Retreat Center’s three dormitory-style houses offer simple single rooms with a twin bed, sink, closet, chair, and shared bathrooms. Linens and towels are provided, and accessibility needs can be arranged in advance.
The Forest Refuge provides single rooms with a bed, sink, desk, closet, and shared bathrooms. Linens are included, and guests with special needs are encouraged to contact IMS beforehand.
Eat
Wholesome vegetarian meals—metta included.
IMS serves nutritious, varied vegetarian meals—often including dairy and eggs—at designated meal times: oatmeal, bagels, and a cooked grain for breakfast; a substantial lunch followed by a lighter dinner; and always-available teas and hard-boiled eggs. Meals are buffet-style with ingredient labels, and gluten- or dairy-free options are offered at lunch when feasible.
Sit
Noble silence helps deepen concentration and awareness.
During retreats, participants observe noble silence—refraining from speaking, writing, reading, or using communication devices—to create a calm, focused environment that supports deep practice and community well-being. This commitment helps cultivate concentration, awareness, and a sense of safety. While silence ends near the conclusion of Retreat Center courses, it is maintained continuously at the Forest Refuge.
Inquire
Meetings with teachers—opportunities to ask questions.
Although retreats are conducted in silence, there are scheduled times for retreatants to speak with teachers and ask questions about meditation practice. Retreat managers are also available to answer questions in the front office during regular hours posted at the office door.
