Who We Are

A Buddhist, Vipassana /One Dharma Sangha open to and informed by other traditions and teachings.

Our Mission: to provide a safe, supportive spiritual center for weekly meditation practice.

Insight Meditation

Insight meditation, or Vipassana, is one of the central meditation teachings of the Buddha. Vipassana has been practiced and passed on within the Theravadan Buddhist tradition for the past 2,500 years.

The core of insight meditation is the practice of mindfulness, the quality of awareness that sees without judgment. Sitting and walking meditation, the first steps in formal practice, become the foundation and the continuous inspiration for meeting all aspects of life with a greater openness and willingness to learn. As we grow in the practice, it becomes possible to use the challenges of daily life to increase our capacity for mindful living.

Please visit our new website:

Our History

A Sangha is a community of friends practicing the Dharma together in order to bring about and to maintain awareness. The essence of Sangha is awareness, understanding, acceptance, harmony, and love... Thich Nhat Hanh

Lotus in the Desert began meeting in 1996 to offer resources and support for people interested in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh's Order of Interbeing. Teachings came primarily from the tradition of Engaged Buddhism, the idea that the spiritual life is not separate from other aspects of living, and that meditation and mindfulness training are ways to cultivate awareness in all of life's situations. Many teachings were folded into the practice.

Over time, Sangha members became interested in Theravadan Buddhist teachings. We have recently sponsored weekend Vipassana meditation retreats with Spirit Rock teacher, Richard Shankman, and in cooperation with Red Rock Sangha, former resident teacher for the Santa Fe Vipassana Sangha, Shaila Catherine and Santa Fe Vinyoga/Vipassana teacher, Woods Shoemaker.

Our meetings begin with a 30 minute sitting meditation. We discuss a reading selection, which is recommended but not required for participation.
There is no cost to attend the meetings. Beginners and visitors to Las Vegas are always welcome.
See the newsletter page for any changes to the meeting schedule.

Request Sangha Linette email newsletter for current study information.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call (702) 571-1820.

New Lotus meeting place! More...

Fall Retreat with Lucinda Green! More...