Even though a large piece of what we are asked to look at in our practice is not so easy to bear, the Dharma is actually such good news. The good news is that we have the capacity to be whole, to be embodied, to be here. When we make the slight shift from being simply carried along by what might be called the stream of distress—our mind stream, everything we’re thinking about, everything we’re worried about, everything we want, everything that is not working in our life—to noticing it, that is the beginning of freedom.
Howard Cohn, MA
Residential Retreat Teacher
Howard Cohn has practiced meditation since 1972, and has led vipassana retreats since 1985. He leads a weekly ongoing class in San Francisco. Howard has studied with many Asian and western teachers of several traditions, including Theravada, Zen, Dzogchen and Advaita Vedanta, and has been strongly influenced by contact with the Indian master H.W.L. Poonja. He has done postgraduate work in East/West Psychology and has a private counseling practice.
Howard Cohn's Upcoming Programs
Retreat | On-Land
September 9 - September 13, 2024 | Monday - Friday | 4 nights
Founders Retreat: Insight Meditation with the Spirit Rock Founding Teachers
Full - short waitlist. Spirit Rock invites you to a special Insight Meditation Retreat with senior Spirit Rock teachers who have been here since the beginning. This retreat emphasizes quieting the mind, opening the heart, and developing clarity and depth of practice. Traditional instructions based on the Foundations of Mindfulness will be combined with daily mettā (lovingkindness) practice, silent sitting and walking periods, guided movement sessions, practice meetings with teachers, and daily Dharma talks.
Retreat | On-Land
January 4 - January 10, 2025 | Saturday - Friday | 6 nights
Winter Insight Retreat
Registration Open (September 4). The Buddha’s teachings and meditation practices remind us of the ever-present possibility of waking up to a sense of well-being, presence, and true nature that does not depend on circumstances. This silent Insight Meditation (vipassanā) retreat welcomes new and experienced meditators and includes instructions in vipassanā meditation following the four foundations of mindfulness. The retreat will also include lovingkindness meditation, meetings with teachers, and evening talks highlighting the central teachings of the Buddha and their practical application to our lives.
Retreat | On-Land
August 27 - September 1, 2025 | Wednesday - Monday | 5 nights
Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat
Registration Opens - April 30. This retreat emphasizes quieting the mind, opening the heart, and developing clarity and depth of practice. Traditional instructions will be combined with a spirit of lovingkindness, and our time together will include a schedule of silent sitting and walking periods, guided Yoga/movement sessions, as well as practice meetings with teachers and daily Dharma talks. This retreat is for experienced as well as new students.
Dharma Library
Can't join us live online or on the land? Study and practice at your convenience with Howard Cohn through our new library of recordings, articles, and self-paced online courses.