Wikipedia talk:Articles for deletion/Insight Meditation Society (2nd nomination)

I agree that this listing should be deleted. This is not a nationally significant organization. Also, the founders refused a direct request to cite their teacher and who gave them permission to teach Buddhism. The founders attempt in this article to draw a connection between themselves and U Sayadaw, also Ajahn Chah. However, there is nothing here or elsewhere by this organization that verifies they have authorization from either U sayadaw or Ajahan Chah to teach. Both teachers are themselves deceased and Kornfield, Salzberg, and Goldstein are not listed among the disciples of either teacher who have been given authority to teach. There is reason to believe that this organization is spreading spurious and self-interested teachings. I have seen their "recommended reading list," which begins with "The Art of War," a non-Buddhist, non-canonical text. However, each one of the founders is selling a book of their own on their "Recommended reading list." Also, the founders maintain a self-celebrity website which celebrates what? Them. From all the publically available information, there is no indication, and as far as printed statements go, no claim that Korfield, Salzberg, or Goldstein have any legitimate claim as authorized teachers of Buddhism. However, they protray themselves as Buddhist teachers and carry on actual teachings at their centre.

The article is essentially an advertisement, since it gives no information except what they offer in the way of services (for a FEE or for labor). The only other content is carefully-worded attempte to prop up their legitimacy as teachers of Buddhism.

This is not a large or nationally significant center. There are hundred of such centers not listed by Wikipedia. Also, almost any Buddhist center will garner a newspaper article or two. That has to do with media connections and journalism, not significance to its own subject.