Dharma Institute
Programs associated with the Dharma Institute (DI).
Essential Buddhist Teachings (MC1N24)
Mark Coleman, MA
Online Learning Platform
Description Essential Buddhist Teachings is a detailed introduction to the Buddha’s teachings and the practices of Insight Meditation. This course emphasizes the cultivation of mindful awareness and learning how to apply and live these wisdom and heart practices in our daily lives. These are essential teachings for building a baseline understanding of the Buddhist path […]
The Refuge of Dhamma: Exploring the Buddha's Discourses (SF1N24)
Sean Oakes, PhD
Online via our Online Learning Platform
Description The discourses of the Buddha, called suttas, are one of the world’s most majestic collections of spiritual teaching. They record many styles of teaching, from inspiring poetry to psychological guidance, social theory, and philosophical masterpieces that address the deepest human fears, hopes, and potential. In this course and practice series we dive into the […]
Embodying Mettā: Somatic Approaches to Lovingkindness & the Four Elements (DM1N24)
Dawn Mauricio
Online Learning Platform
Description The practice of mettā, or lovingkindness, is one of four "divine abidings" of the heart according to the Buddha's teachings. While traditionally taught through phrase recitation, there are countless doorways to cultivating this profound quality. Many practitioners find themselves: Struggling with traditional mettā practices Questioning if they're "doing it right." Caught in self-judgment about their […]
The Joy of Samādhi: Practices to Cultivate Concentration (NM1N24)
Nikki Mirghafori, PhD
Online Learning Platform
Description: The foundational meditation practice of samatha leads to the state of samādhi, where the mind is undistracted, bright, and spacious. Such sustained practice can culminate in profoundly still states, known as jhāna, where the mind becomes blissfully absorbed in the object of attention. This practice often conjures up tense effort with a furrowed brow, […]
White & Awakening: Mindfulness Practices for Exploring and Disrupting the Impact of White Conditioning (CJ1N24)
Crystal A. Johnson, PhD
Online Learning Platform
Description: This is a self-paced, on-demand course for self-identified white folx and those for whom whiteness is a significant part of their identity. The course walks the learner through the historical creation of whiteness and how it operates systemically and offers exercises, techniques, and mindfulness practices for working with the difficult emotions that arise when […]
Equanimity: Finding Balance in Difficult Times (JB1N24)
James Baraz, MA
Online Learning Platform
Description: Equanimity (upekkhā) is a highly-valued quality in Buddhist teachings. But what is equanimity? How do we cultivate it in our meditation practice? Even more, how do we access it in daily life, especially in times like these with so much uncertainty, fear, and sadness over the suffering in the world? Through talks, meditations, and […]
Next Step Dharma: Integrate Your Retreat into Daily Life (OS1N24)
Oren Jay Sofer, SEP and Jaya Rudgard
Online via our Online Learning Platform
Description This six-week online course is designed to guide participants in bringing the fruits of their retreat back home and integrating their mindfulness practice into their daily lives. Throughout this unique course series, you will receive skilled guidance from founding Insight teachers while creating and maintaining deep community and spiritual friendships with a diverse group […]
Intro to Insight: Foundations of Buddhist Meditation and Mindfulness (VC1C25)
Victoria Cary
Registration will close at 8:00am (US Pacific Time) prior to the last class on October 3, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available within 48 hours following each class. Description: Insight Meditation, or vipassanā, is an accessible yet powerful form of Buddhist practice that emphasizes […]
A Path of Healing: The Wisdom of the Somatic and Subtle Body (JS2C25)
Jill Satterfield
Program Dates: September 5 - October 3, 2025 Description Sometimes healing begins not with words but a quiet awareness of what’s happening in the body now. With a few tender, intentionally directed breaths we can transform or cultivate. A flicker of tightness, a contraction, a warmth in the heart. These sensations, often overlooked, are the […]
Restructuring Your Life: Making Inner and Outer Changes that Align with Who You Are Now (PM1M25)
Phillip Moffitt, MA and Jennifer Ward
Registration closes at 1:00pm (Pacific Time) on September 19, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. Important Note: This is a professional development program; scholarships and discounts are not available. Description: This workshop retreat focuses on restructuring your life, no matter your age. The focus is on the “nuts and […]
The Mindful Caregiver: Cultivating Presence, Well-Being, and Compassion (NM1C25)
Nikki Mirghafori, PhD and Roy Remer
Registration will close at 5:00pm (US Pacific Time) prior to the sixth class on November 13, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available within 48 hours following each class. Continuing Education credits? (see details below). Description: Caregiving—whether for a loved one, a patient, or a […]
Remembering Each Other Always: The Precepts as Daily Practice (LB1C25)
Leslie Booker
Registration will close at 8:00am (US Pacific Time) prior to the fifth class on November 7, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available within 48 hours following each class. Description: Every moment is an opportunity to not succumb to fear and anger, but to remember […]
The Four Buddhist Heart Practices (Brahmavihāras) (JB1C25)
James Baraz, MA
Program Dates: November 4 - 25, 2025 Class Dates: 4 Tuesdays - Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25 Class Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm PT Description In this four-week course, we’ll explore how to gently open the heart as a vital complement to Insight (mindfulness) meditation. Rooted in classical Buddhist teachings, the heart practices of lovingkindness, compassion, […]
A Year to Live (YL7T26)
Vinny Ferraro, Frank Ostaseski and Pam Dunn
Teaching Team: Vinny Ferraro (Lead), Frank Ostaseski, and Pam Dunn. Prerequisites: A minimum of 3 days of either silent meditation residential retreat or daylongs/mindfulness workshop(s), or a combination of both. Consistent meditation practice highly encouraged. Description This yearlong journey, inspired by Stephen Levine’s A Year to Live, is a heartfelt invitation to people of all […]
Dedicated Practitioner Program (DPPT26)
Gullu Singh, JD and Amana Brembry Johnson
This registration page is ONLY for those who have been accepted into the DPP7 program. If you were not offered a spot, we kindly ask that you do not continue your registration and check in with the DPP8 Administrative Coordinator: DPP8@spiritrock.org. PROGRAM DATES: May 2026 - May 2028 Residential Retreat Dates: all retreats are held […]