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
Digital Detox: The Wisdom of Rest, Balance, and Ease (NM1Z26)
Register for On-Land Please only register for one of the two formats: On-Land or Online. Registration closes at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on September 26, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available following the program. Description: In a world of constant demands, endless to-do lists, and […]
Digital Detox: The Wisdom of Rest, Balance, and Ease (NM1D26)
Register for Online Please only register for one of the two formats: On-Land or Online. Registration closes at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on September 26, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available following the program. Description: In a world of constant demands, endless to-do lists, and […]
Befriending Mortality: Mindfulness of Death (Maraṇasati) Practices to Cultivate Insight, Presence, Compassion, and Meaning (376R26) - On Land
Also John Martin, Kodo Conlin, Jeanne Corrigal and Frank Ostaseski
Register for Online Please only register for one of the two formats: On Land or Online. Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on October 7, 2025, and this residential format closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on October 25, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early. This program offers 15 […]
Befriending Mortality: Living an Awakened Life through Mindfulness of Death (Maraṇasati) (376Z26) - Online
Also John Martin, Kodo Conlin, Jeanne Corrigal and Frank Ostaseski
Register for On Land Please only register for one of the two formats: On Land or Online. Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on October 7, 2025, and this online format closes at 3:00pm (Pacific Time) on October 26, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. Recordings* will be available […]
The Way of Release: Practicing Peace in Every Moment (228R27)
Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on July 15, 2026, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on May 15, 2027. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early. Applying for a residential scholarship? - see our Financial Support FAQ's. Interested in Commuting to the retreat? - learn more below. Retreat to be […]