The Story of
Seven Oaks
Seven Oaks Retreat Center resides on land originally inhabited by Siouan Indians of the Monacan and Mannahoac tribes. Seven majestic oak trees crown this ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Madison, Virginia, and inspired the name Donovan and Susan Thesenga gave to the center they started in 1972.
Through the years, Seven Oaks Retreat Center has continued this tradition of supporting deep spiritual experiences in a thoughtful manner and hosted a variety of tailor-made programs for contemplative people, including groups such as Buddhist students, yoga practitioners, those studying Pathwork, creative arts groups, and other spiritually oriented gatherings.
In 2024, the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW) purchased Seven Oaks Retreat Center to continue and expand its tradition of service through practicing meditation in community retreats.
As the owners of Seven Oaks, Insight Meditation Community of Washington is committed to inclusivity and social justice. Our core values are rooted in Buddhism and we welcome all those endeavoring to live consciously, responsibly, and harmoniously.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington
Founded in 1997 by Tara Brach, PhD, the Insight Meditation Community of Washington is non-profit religious organization. Each month, over 150 classes and events are held throughout the Washington, DC Metro area, including nearby Maryland and Virginia, and online.
In 2024, the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW) purchased Seven Oaks Retreat Center and will continue to expand this tradition of service to contemplative communities aligned with its values of inclusivity, social justice, ethical behavior, and environmental responsibility.
Our Vision for Seven Oaks
Meditation and regular retreat are our core practices and we have searched for a retreat center of our own for many years. Seven Oaks Retreat Center is the fulfillment of our vision and we look forward to welcoming you to our new home.
The Insight Meditation Community of Washington recognizes the immense benefits of in-person,
fully supported, residential retreat time. With the purchase of Seven Oaks, our vision for its development is threefold. We will refurbish the current facilities for the maximum comfort of our guests. We will update the physical infrastructure so that those with mobility challenges may participate fully in all activities. We will design and construct additional facilities to provide private sleeping rooms for guests, housing for long-term retreatants and staff, and meeting spaces for hybrid study/practice retreats.