Art of Meditation Global Summit 2025

SCHEDULE

DAY 1

Vipassana Meditation

Sharon Salzberg • Joseph Goldstein • Ruth King • Sylvia Boorstein, PhD • Gil Fronsdal, PhD • Trudy Goodman, PhD • Venerable Pannavati Bhikkhuni • Diana Winston

Day One opens with Sharon Salzberg’s exploration of the alchemy of compassion, where she delves into the transformative power of loving-kindness meditation and the synthesis of Vipassana and Tibetan practices. Joseph Goldstein then guides us through the heart of mindfulness practice by diving deep into the foundational teachings of the Buddha and their practical applications in daily life. Ruth King offers insights on liberation, focusing on the role of Vipassana in cultivating inner stability and understanding the mind. Sylvia Boorstein, PhD, enriches the day with her session on navigating life’s complexities through mindful awareness, highlighting the role of humor and kindness in mindfulness. Gil Fronsdal, PhD, follows with an insightful session on the interplay of love and liberation in mindfulness practice, exploring the evolution of meditation and the nuanced relationship between thoughts and emotions. Trudy Goodman PhD provides insights on meeting the present moment with wisdom and compassion. Venerable Pannavati Bhikkhuni explores the convergence of mindfulness and active engagement across Buddhist traditions. Diana Winston concludes the day with an exploration of meditation pathways to inner peace and the effects of Vipassana practices.

DAY 2

Zen Meditation - Shikantaza

Zoketsu Norman Fischer • Roshi Pat Enkyo O'Hara, PhD • Roshi Dennis Merzel Genpo • Jan Chozen Bays • Diana Musho Hamilton • Roshi Melissa Myōzen Blacker• Kaira Jewel Lingo • Roshi Grover Genro Gauntt

Day Two delves into the heart of Zen practice with Zoketsu Norman Fischer discussing the Zen of being, offering insights into mindful living and awakening. Roshi Pat Enkyo O'Hara, PhD, follows with an exploration of the Zen path, emphasizing the role of meditation and the Sangha in deepening spiritual practice. Roshi Dennis Merzel Genpo introduces a fresh perspective on Zen through the 'Big Mind' process, blending traditional wisdom with modern approaches to self-inquiry. Roshi Jan Chozen Bays, MD, addresses the challenges of the mind, sharing Zen insights for navigating modern complexities. Diana Musho Hamilton explores the concept of harmony in difference, bringing a Zen approach to unity and self-understanding. Roshi Melissa Myōzen Blacker examines the integration of Zen and mindfulness, highlighting the importance of presence and body awareness in spiritual practice. Kaira Jewel Lingo guides us through a dance of emotion and awareness, offering a mindful approach to inner harmony. Finally, Roshi Grover Genro Gauntt closes the day with reflections on the Zen path from discipline to freedom, emphasizing transformation and interconnectedness in daily life.

DAY 3

Tibetan Buddhist Meditation - Shamatha/Vipashayana

Dzigar Kongrul Rinpoche • Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche • Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche • Tsoknyi RInpoche • Lama Shenpen Hookham • Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel • Tenzin Robert Thurman, PhD • Elizabeth Callahan • Isaac Eliaz, MD

On Day Three, Dzigar Kongrul Rinpoche delves into the 'Four Immeasurables' and their role in fostering a compassionate mindset, along with the importance of traditional teachings in personal transformation. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche explores the 'monkey mind' concept, emphasizing the benefits of Shamata and Vipassana meditation for achieving inner peace. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche merges Eastern wisdom with Western perspectives, focusing on compassion in the journey towards enlightenment. Tsoknyi Rinpoche discusses the integration of mindfulness, emotional awareness, and body consciousness for spiritual growth. Lama Shenpen Hookham examines the role of faith and the concept of 'transmission' in the teacher-student dynamic. Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel explores the practice of analytical meditation and its role in understanding the nature of reality. Tenzin Robert Thurman, PhD, discusses the interplay of breath and consciousness, empathy's role in personal development, and the synergy between spirituality and science. Elizabeth Callahan brings insights into Mahamudra meditation, emphasizing its integration into daily life. Finally, Isaac Eliaz, MD shares how to heal the scars of trauma through ancient practices.

DAY 4

Indian - Vedic Meditation Traditions

Deepak Chopra, MD • Elena Brower • Krishna Das • Tony Nader MD, PhD • Sister Dr. Jenna • Swami Sadyojathah ji (Swamiji) • Debra Poneman • Mandar Apte

Day Four of the summit highlights Vedic meditation traditions with a lineup of influential speakers. Deepak Chopra, MD, opens the day by exploring the intersection of meditation, yoga, and quantum reality, emphasizing the boundless nature of self-awareness. Elena Brower reflects on the Zen of letting go, offering a contemporary approach to mindfulness and surrender. Krishna Das brings a unique blend of Eastern traditions and Western sounds, sharing his journey through music, spirituality, and awakening. Tony Nader MD, PhD, follows with an insightful session on bridging ancient wisdom with modern science, particularly focusing on Transcendental Meditation and its impact on the mind and body. Sister Dr. Jenna shares her insights on the transformative power of meditation and divine connection. Swami Sadyojathah ji (Swamiji) shares the art of living through breath and meditation, illustrating how transformational breathing techniques can bring clarity and inner peace. Debra Poneman takes a deep dive into meditative practices, exploring the transformative power of silence in achieving inner harmony. Mandar Apte concludes the day by delving into the power of pranayama, highlighting how breathwork can create meaningful change in individuals and communities.

DAY 5

Abrahamic Meditation Traditions: Christian, Jewish, & Sufi

Rev. Michael B. Beckwith • Cynthia Bourgeault • Shaykha Fariha Fatima al-Jerrahi • Rabbi Jeff Roth • Tim Kelly • Saki Santorelli, EdD • Rabbi Dorothy RIchman • Rola Hallam, MD • Rev. Michael Christie, PhD

Day Five of the summit navigates the rich tapestry of Abrahamic meditation traditions. Rev. Michael B. Beckwith opens the session with insights on meditation, life visioning, and inner transformation. Cynthia Bourgeault follows with an exploration of Christian meditation in contemporary times, emphasizing centering prayer and its evolving role in spiritual deepening. Shaykha Fariha Fatima al-Jerrahi delves into the transformative Sufi practice of Zikr, highlighting the path of divine love and spiritual transformation. Rabbi Jeff Roth unveils the heart-mind connection, examining the relationship between faith, language, and contemplative practice. Tim Kelly shares insights on the journey from silence to service, illustrating how inner peace translates into meaningful action. Saki Santorelli, EdD, MA, embraces life as a 'guesthouse' of experiences, guiding participants through heart-centered mindfulness and self-inquiry. Rabbi Dorothy Richman explores the fusion of faith and mindfulness, offering a unique perspective on spirituality and connection. Rola Hallam, MD reflects on the Sufi path to healing and Divine Connection. Rev. Michael Christie, PhD, closes the session with reflections on bridging mindfulness and faith, discussing practices that transcend tradition while deepening spiritual awareness.

DAY 6

Non-Dual Meditation

A.H. Almaas • Caverly Morgan • Rupert Spira • Thomas Hübl, PhD • Amoda Maa • Dawson Church, PhD • Peter Russell • Craig Hamilton • Loch Kelly, MDiv, LCSW

Day Six of the summit ventures into the realms of Non-Dual Meditation with a lineup of insightful speakers. A.H. Almaas opens the session by guiding us on a journey beyond the self, unveiling the depths of conscious awakening through inquiry and pure awareness. Caverly Morgan follows with an exploration of merging Zen and non-duality, highlighting the alchemy of awareness and transcending dualistic thinking. Rupert Spira shares insights on awakening to one’s true nature. Thomas Hübl, PhD, delves into the symphony of interconnectedness, discussing the healing power of meditation in addressing societal and cultural traumas. Amoda Maa shares insights into embracing the void, revealing how solitude and surrender serve as transformative tools in non-dual realization. Dawson Church, PhD, presents on sculpting the brain through compassionate focus and eco-meditation, introducing pathways to bliss. Peter Russell shifts the focus to effortless meditation, emphasizing the science and practice of serenity through letting go and embracing stillness. Craig Hamilton explores the alchemy of inner transformation, guiding participants beyond the mind toward direct awakening. The session closes with Loch Kelly, MDiv, LCSW, who expands on awakening beyond the mind’s maze, demonstrating the accessibility and naturalness of effortless mindfulness.

DAY 7

Secular/Mainstream Mindfulness & Self-Compassion

Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD • Kristin Neff, PhD • Ronald Siegel, PsyD • Rhonda Magee, JD • Christopher Germer, PhD • DaeEss 1Drea Pennington Wasio, MD • John Vervaeke, PhD • Toby Sola

Day Seven brings an exploration of mindfulness and self-compassion with a compelling lineup of speakers. Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, opens the session by unveiling the unseen threads of mindful existence, sharing insights from his transformative journey from molecular biology to mindfulness. Kristin Neff, PhD, follows with an exploration of the healing power of self-compassion in meditation, addressing the concept of ‘backdraft’ and its relationship to motivation. Ronald Siegel, PsyD, delves into the emotional landscapes of mindfulness, examining its role in psychotherapy for emotional resilience and self-deconstruction. Rhonda Magee, JD, expands on mindfulness as a pathway to justice and peace, exploring its impact on societal challenges and legal ethics. Christopher Germer, PhD, discusses the integration of self-compassion in therapy, emphasizing its role in addressing shame and anxiety. DaeEss 1Drea Pennington Wasio, MD, shares insights on transforming darkness into light, demonstrating how mindfulness supports healing through loving-kindness meditation. John Vervaeke, PhD, explores the mind’s metamorphosis, bridging cognitive psychology with mindfulness to highlight ‘relevance realization’ and cognitive flexibility. Closing the session, Toby Sola presents a new-age approach to meditation, making the practice both accessible and transformative.

DAY 8

Neuroscience-Informed Meditation & the Science of Meditation

Rick Hanson, PhD • Richard J. Davidson, PhD • Larry Ward, PhD • Judson Brewer, MD, PhD • Fleet Maull, PhD • David Vago, PhD • Sara Lazar, PhD

Day Eight of the summit unveils ground-breaking insights into the neuroscience of meditation. Rick Hanson, PhD, delves into neuroscience-informed meditation, revealing the intersection of contemplative practices and scientific understanding, and the role of neuroplasticity in meditation. Richard J. Davidson, PhD, explores the effects of meditation and yoga on the brain, highlighting the brain's dynamic response to different meditation techniques. Larry Ward, PhD, discusses the alchemy of mindfulness in transforming personal suffering and its integration with social action. Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, shares his journey into mindfulness and neuroscience, examining the role of mindfulness in addiction treatment and behavioral change. Fleet Maull, PhD, talks about his evolution from personal meditation practice to meaningful social contributions, emphasizing meditation's role in societal change. David Vago, PhD, focuses on how meditation affects various brain regions, particularly the amygdala, and its implications for anxiety reduction. Sara Lazar, PhD, bridges science and meditation, discussing how consistent meditation practice can lead to lasting changes in brain function.