Nikki Mirghafori, PhD
Nikki Mirghafori, PhD, is a Buddhist teacher and Artificial Intelligence scientist. She is a lineage holder in the Theravada tradition, empowered by the living Burmese meditation master Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, with whom she practiced the jhanas and detailed analytical (Abhidhamma-style) vipassana. She also received empowerment from the Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Insight Meditation Society, Insight Meditation Center, and is a Stanford-trained compassion cultivation instructor.
At Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Nikki serves as a Stewarding Teacher as well as on the Board of Directors. She also teaches at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. Nikki’s teaching style combines clarity and warmth, and she delights in exploring deep Dharma topics with practitioners as well as mindfulness in daily life. Mindfulness of death is one of the areas of her interest and expertise.
Additionally, Nikki has been a researcher and inventor in AI, holds multiple patents and author of scientific research articles. She has directed international research programs as the Principal Investigator, mentored post-docs and PhD students, taught graduate courses at UC Berkeley, and been a scientific advisor to Silicon Valley technology startups.
As an Iranian-American, Nikki has taught contemplative practices internationally and aspires to serve as a champion for wisdom and compassion in our world, and ethical AI in our zeitgeist.
Upcoming Programs by Nikki Mirghafori, PhD
The Joy of Samādhi: Practices to Cultivate Concentration (NM1N24)
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, […]
Monday Night Meditation & Talk (47ML24)
Registration closes at 8:15pm (US Pacific Time) on Monday, November 18, 2024. A recording* will be available following the program. If you would like access to the recording, you must register by the deadline above. Closed Captioning [CC] is available for this program. Online via Zoom. For over 35 years, the Monday Night sitting group […]
Embodying Ease: Practicing with Contentment and Joy (NM3H24)
Registration closes at 8:30am on December 1, 2024. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available following the program. Open to: Everyone Description: Join us for this half-day program where we will explore the practice of wise engagement—a way of practicing that embodies ease, contentment, and joy […]
Monday Night Meditation & Talk (49ML24)
Registration closes at 8:15pm (US Pacific Time) on Monday, December 2, 2024. A recording* will be available following the program. If you would like access to the recording, you must register by the deadline above. Closed Captioning [CC] is available for this program. Online via Zoom. Teacher TBD - Stay tuned! For over 35 years, […]
December Insight Retreat: Cultivating Calm, Contentment, and Confidence (386R24) - On Land
Also Tuere Sala, Rachel Lewis, Sylvia Boorstein, PhD, Mei Elliott and Isabelle Frenette
Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on August 8, 2024 and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on December 7, 2024. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early. Interested in Commuting to the retreat? - learn more below. RETREAT TO BE HELD ON THE LAND! Description: Join us for a transformative retreat […]
Renew Your Practice: Begin the Year with Clarity and Calm (NM1D25)
Registration closes at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on January 4, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available following the program. Description: Begin the year by renewing your connection to the path of mindfulness practice. This daylong retreat offers a fresh start, inviting reflection on intention, values, […]
Buddha’s Teachings on the Body: The 32 Parts Practice (268R25) - On Land
Also Bob Stahl, PhD
Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on February 19, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on September 30, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early. Looking for a scholarship? Scholarship Interest Form - Click Here Interested in Commuting to the retreat? - learn more below. Retreat to be held […]