
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
3 Thursdays
Time
7:00-8:30pm ET
Format
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
Honor the Lineage
Guided Meditation
Interactive Q&A
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
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.
Sharon co-founds the Insight Meditation Society with Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein, creating one of the first Western institutions dedicated to teaching meditation.
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.
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
- Guided meditation sessions with master teachers
- Hear inspiring stories from decades of teaching
- Apply mindfulness to daily challenges
- Insights from Buddhism's influential teachers
- Live Q&A with teachers
- Lifetime access to recordings
11 weekly payments of
$29
Full Payment
- Guided meditation sessions with master teachers
- Hear inspiring stories from decades of teaching
- Apply mindfulness to daily challenges
- Insights from Buddhism's influential teachers
- Live Q&A with teachers
- Lifetime access to recordings
$299
- Scholarships are very limited and reserved for those who are truly experiencing financial hardship. Click here to apply.
Perfect For:
- Students and long-time followers of Sharon Salzberg and Sylvia Boorstein
- Dedicated Sangha members of Spirit Rock/IMS
- Those seeking connection and community through shared teachings and live Q&A
- Those with curiosity about key figures in the Insight tradition
- Both beginners and experienced practitioners - all are welcome!
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
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!
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