Sylvia Boorstein

Sharon Salzberg

Honoring Our Teachers

Sylvia Boorstein and Sharon Salzberg in Conversation

Join beloved teachers and life-long spiritual friends for a special three-part discussion series exploring the past and present of Dharma teaching in the West.

Sylvia and Sharon will share treasured stories from their varied Dharma paths, honoring the teachers and teachings that shaped their practice—including Dipa Ma, Munindraji, U Pandita, and Neem Karoli Baba.

May 8, 15, 22, 2025 • 4:00-5:30pm PT / 7:00-8:30pm ET

A Rare Opportunity: Witness the warmth, wisdom, and deep friendship of two pioneering teachers who have shaped Western Buddhism for nearly five decades.

Why Join This Rare Opportunity

A Living Friendship

Witness the warmth and wisdom of two pioneering teachers who have shaped Western Buddhism together for over 40 years.

Rich Historical Context

Hear rarely shared stories about influential teachers like Dipa Ma, Munindraji, U Pandita, and others who shaped Insight Meditation.

Personal Connection

Ask questions directly to Sharon and Sylvia during interactive Q&A sessions and guided meditations with these master teachers.

What You'll Experience

Join beloved teachers and life-long spiritual friends Sylvia Boorstein and Sharon Salzberg for a three-part discussion series exploring the past and present of Dharma teaching in the West.

Each session includes:

  • Structured dialogue between Sharon and Sylvia
  • Guided meditation led by these master teachers
  • Interactive Q&A with opportunity to submit questions

What You'll Take Away

Deep inspiration from witnessing the authentic friendship between two Dharma pioneers

Practical guidance for your own meditation journey, regardless of experience level

Heart-opening practices guided by two masters of lovingkindness meditation

Living wisdom that can only come from decades of committed practice

Connection to lineage through stories of influential teachers rarely shared elsewhere

Logistics

Dates

May 8, 15, 22, 2025
3 Thursdays

Time

4:00-5:30pm PT
7:00-8:30pm ET

Format

Online Class Series
Open to Everyone

Meet Your Teachers

Sylvia Boorstein

Sylvia Boorstein, PhD, has been teaching Dharma and mindfulness meditation since 1985. She is a founding Spirit Rock teacher, a psychologist, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is particularly interested in emphasizing daily life as mindfulness practice and including informed citizenship and social activism as integral to spiritual maturation.

Her books include: “It’s Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness”; “Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There: A Mindfulness Retreat”; “That’s Funny, You Don’t Look Buddhist”; “Pay Attention for Goodness’ Sake”; and “Happiness Is an Inside Job: Practicing for a Joyful Life.”

Sharon Salzberg

Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is among the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture nearly 50 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA.

She is the author of thirteen books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness, her seminal work Lovingkindness, and her recent books Real Life and Finding Your Way. Sharon’s podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed six million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond.

What You'll Experience

Intimate Conversations

Witness the warm dialogue between two lifelong friends and respected Dharma teachers as they share personal stories and insights from their 40+ years of friendship.

Honor the Lineage

Learn about influential teachers like Dipa Ma, Munindraji, U Pandita, and Neem Karoli Baba who have shaped Western Buddhism and the Insight Meditation tradition.

Guided Meditation

Experience meditation practices led by two pioneers who brought mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture nearly 50 years ago.

Interactive Q&A

Submit your questions in advance or during the sessions to connect directly with Sylvia and Sharon in this rare opportunity to engage with two of the most respected figures in Western Dharma.

Offer Your Questions

Which Teacher Are You Most Curious About?

Sharon and Sylvia will share stories about the influential teachers who shaped their practice.

Results help shape the conversation series content!

What Would You Like to Ask?

Submit your question for Sharon and Sylvia. Selected questions will be addressed during the live sessions.

Questions may be answered during the session!

A Legacy of Wisdom

These beloved teachers have shaped the landscape of Western Buddhism for decades. Their journey offers insights that can transform your own practice.
1970s

Sharon and Sylvia begin their separate journeys into Buddhist practice, studying with teachers in India and beyond. Their paths would eventually converge in life-changing ways.

1976

Sharon co-founds the Insight Meditation Society with Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein, creating one of the first Western institutions dedicated to teaching meditation.

1980s

Sylvia begins teaching at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California, becoming one of its founding teachers and helping establish a West Coast home for the growing Insight Meditation community.

1990s - Present

Both teachers become internationally recognized voices in meditation, mindfulness, and Buddhist teachings. Through their books, teachings, and personal example, they have helped countless practitioners discover the transformative power of meditation.

Their Wisdom, Your Growth

By joining this conversation series, you’re not just listening to stories—you’re participating in a living tradition. The insights shared by Sylvia and Sharon have been tested and refined through decades of practice, teaching, and deep friendship.

This isn’t just about history—it’s about how their journey can illuminate your path forward.

Register Now

Payment Plan

11 weekly payments of

$29

Full Payment

$299

Perfect For:

FAQ

No prior experience is necessary. This series is open to everyone, from beginners to experienced practitioners. The teachers will provide guidance for meditation periods.

Yes, all sessions will be recorded and all registered participants will have lifetime access to the materials after the program ends.

After registration, you’ll receive a welcome email with instructions on how to submit questions for the teachers.

This is a rare opportunity to engage with Sylvia Boorstein and Sharon Salzberg, two of the most respected and beloved figures in Western Dharma. Their combined wisdom and shared history offer invaluable insight into the evolution of the Insight Meditation tradition. The interactive format allows for reflection, questions, and clarity in a way that recorded content cannot provide.

There isn’t a formal syllabus. Sylvia and Sharon will be sharing stories and reflections about their life in the Dharma, with a focus on the teachers and teachings that have shaped their practice over the decades.

Transformed by Their Teaching

These words from past participants reflect the profound impact Sylvia and Sharon’s teachings can have on your life and practice.

Watch a Preview

Get a glimpse of Sylvia and Sharon's teaching style from past conversations

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Don't Miss This Extraordinary Opportunity

This series offers a unique chance to witness the living embodiment of sangha through the friendship of two meditation pioneers. Their shared wisdom can illuminate your path, regardless of where you are on your journey.

Only Three Sessions: May 8, 15, and 22

This rare opportunity won’t be repeated soon. Register today to secure your place.

Our Guarantee

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Satisfaction Guaranteed

Please read our detailed refund policy in the FAQ above. For any questions or to request a refund, please contact us at courses@spiritrock.org.

Group Program

Join us on this transformative journey with the Honoring Our Teachers: Sylvia Boorstein and Sharon Salzberg in Conversation and save 15% when you sign up with a friend or group using the link below!

Safe and Secure

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Use the form below to apply for a group discount.

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We offer scholarships on a case-by-case basis. We strive to offer our courses and other work with kindness, empathy, and respect for all. We are happy to provide scholarships if one is needed. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please provide the following information.