About Insight PV

The Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, Dhamma Dena was incorporated in 1998
as a 501 (c) (3) religious nonprofit organization. We are a non-residential meditation center in the Theravadin Buddhist Tradition. Our mission is to share the Buddha's teaching of liberation with all those who are interested and with those who want to sustain and deepen their practice.

What, or Who is Dhamma Dena?
The Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley was first named Dhamma Dena Meditation Center, and Dhamma Dena remains a part of our center’s identity. Dhamma Dena (traditionally spelled Dhammadinna) was a lay-woman recognized by the Buddha for her profound wisdom.

Ruth Denison, who was the root teacher of our founder Arinna Weisman, was named Dhamma Dena when she briefly took robes as a nun in Burma. Ruth Denison named her center after Dhamma Dena and we named ours after Dhamma Dena also, in part to honor Ruth’s importance in the lineage, and in gratitude for her undaunted efforts to bring the Dharma to Westerners and to women in particular. She encouraged the formation of the center and has been a generous supporter.

Our Lineage

Our Board of Directors & Staff

Sangha Recognition Corner