WAT THAI WASHINGTON, D.C. is a non-profit Buddhist center serving the Thai and Thai-American communities. The Wat is the focal point for cultural and educational activities for the community, as well as an information center for Americans interested in Thailand and Buddhism.

The goal of the Washington, DC, Buddhist Studies Group is to support and enhance participants’ practice and knowledge of Buddhism.  Our meetings are led by individual volunteer members and typically include readings and discussions of suttas (discourses) by the Buddha from the earliest sources—Theravada, Pali Canon—as well as Buddhist topics closely linked to and supported by the suttas.  Topics are wide-ranging, from compassion and mindfulness to how to apply the practice in one’s daily life.  Coupled with this, our meetings include very short meditations.

Our small group consists of individuals with varying degrees of experience regarding teachings of the Buddha, and we encourage others to join us who have sincere interest, an open mind, and a loving heart.

Sri Lankan Buddhist temple, with all regular services conducted in the English language.

IMCW offers training in Vipassana (or Insight) meditation and related Buddhist practices that awaken the heart and mind. We serve the entire DC metro area. In addition to our flagship Wednesday night class in Bethesda, IMCW’s programs include weekly classes and sitting groups in Washington; Takoma Park and Frederick, MD; northern Virginia and Shepherdstown,WV. We also offer nonresidential weekend retreats and workshops, as well as a thriving community of peer-led Kalyana Mitta (or spiritual friend) groups. Longer residential retreats, held several times a year, are open to out-of-towners as well as DC-area residents. IMCW is guided by founder and senior teacher, Tara Brach, in addition to a Teachers Council and Board of Directors.