The nature of our heart, when in relatively safe circumstances, is kind and caring. But that natural sweetness often gets occluded, blocked by the systemic forces of greed, hatred, ignorance—all the ways that we create ill will and separation through misperception, seeing through the clouded lens of our likes and dislikes, views and opinions. This is why the teachings invite us to look deeply into our nature, to realize the sky-like nature of the mind, the boundless nature of the heart, the capacity of the heart to have lovingkindness for all beings—to have no one left out of your circle of affection. That’s the potential, and that’s what we practice to reawaken.
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
January 4 - January 10, 2025 | Saturday - Friday | 6 nights
Winter Insight Retreat
Join the waitlist. 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
Sunday, February 2 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Calming the Restless Mind, Body, and Heart
4 CE Credits. Everyone wants to be calm and peaceful. Our restlessness and agitation stem from an uncultivated mind, a reactive heart, and a lack of clear perception of the present moment. During this daylong, we will train our hearts and minds to find a calm abiding in the present moment. We will also practice recognizing and working with our emotions while learning how to relate to our thoughts more kindly and skillfully rather than being so easily carried away by them.
Howard Cohn
Retreat | On-Land
August 27 - September 1, 2025 | Wednesday - Monday | 5 nights
Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat
Registration Opens - February 19. 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.