Is this the right Buddhist tradition for me? There are many schools of Buddhism. They stem from the same root and share the same principles. But because the original teachings traveled from India into other parts of Asia, and then to the rest of the world, there are differences in emphasis, rituals, and practices. One tradition might suit you better than another. It’s a very personal choice and worth investigating. We can only speak to our tradition, but we encourage you to explore the various Buddhist traditions and find the one that resonates with you. Insight meditation, as practiced by Westerners, is often considered the most secular of all the Buddhist traditions. The Pali Canon is the guiding ancient text, containing all the Buddha’s teachings. From it, teachers craft modern interpretations to respond to today’s challenges. Compared to other traditions, Insight sanghas tend to have fewer rituals, but you might be expected to remove your shoes before entering the meditation hall. In the hall, maintain respectful silence unless called upon to ask a question or do an exercise. Seating varies, but in most cases, you can sit in a chair or on a cushion. If there is an altar, you are not expected to worship at it. The Buddha said he was not a god, and we take him at his word. Bowing to the altar is a personal choice and is seen as a sign of respect, gratitude and a commitment to the practice and the teachings rather than devotion. Although each Insight sangha has its unique character, here are a few commonalities: Vipassana (Insight) meditation cultivates awareness. The meditations are often silent, sometimes beginning with minimal guidance or a brief chant. However, in some instances, the teacher may lead a guided meditation. The teacher usually offers a dharma talk, which may or may not include time for discussion, Q&A, or breakout group exercises. There is often a time for socializing and creating a sense of community (sangha), which is an important part of the experience. The teachings are considered priceless, so traditionally they are offered freely. Teachers and sangha management rely on donations (dana - Pali word for generosity) to continue to gather and share the Buddha’s teachings. Teachers have a wide variety of backgrounds and training. Teachers are to be respected but not revered as masters, nor followed blindly. Some sanghas have only one teacher, some several, and some have a rotation of regular and guest teachers. Each sangha’s website should provide general information about the teacher(s). But only by spending time in the sangha will you discover if the teacher and the style suit you.