As we closely examine our moment-to-moment experience, we discover that life is inherently problematic and that we respond to life in a fragmented way. Most of us are confused and suffering to some degree.

Over 2,500 years ago Siddhartha Gotama, an Indian prince, left his family to search for the means to dispel this confusion and transcend this suffering. When through his own efforts he reached the shore of enlightenment, Siddhartha became the Buddha, the "Awakened One." For the next forty-five years he taught others how to safely cross the river of delusion.

The Forest Way closely follows the Buddha's teaching according to the Theravada tradition, the oldest school of Buddhism. At the heart of the teaching is the practice of vipassana or insight meditation. This form of meditation was developed by the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago and has been used ever since by dedicated practitioners to achieve liberation. It is timeless in its efficacy.