Meditation is only one aspect of the Buddha's path. If our meditation practice doesn't inform our lives—if it's something we only do on retreat, or at a certain time in a certain place—then what's its real value? When we see hunger, poverty, climate refugees, war, and the ongoing effects of racism or structural violence, how do we relate to the pain of that gap between our values and reality? Can we bring tenderness? Can we connect with the longing, that beautiful, wholesome longing underneath the pain for awakening, for all of our hearts to be free and whole. This kind of wise relationship to life informs our powerful response.
Oren Jay Sofer, SEP
Residential Retreat Teacher
Oren Jay Sofer teaches meditation and communication internationally. He holds a degree in comparative religion from Columbia University, is a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication, and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner for the healing of trauma. Oren is also the author of several books, including the best-seller "Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication" and his latest book, "Your Heart Was Made for This: Contemplative Practices to Meet a World In Crisis with Courage, Integrity, and Love."
His teaching has reached people around the world through his online communication courses and guided meditations. A husband and a father, Oren lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he enjoys cooking, spending time in nature, and home woodworking projects.
Oren Jay Sofer's Upcoming Programs
Retreat | On-Land | Hybrid
April 1 - April 8, 2025 | Tuesday - Tuesday | 7 nights
Steadying the Heart: Refuge through the Four Sublime States
Registration Open. The Buddhist path cultivates four transformative qualities that can be developed into steadfast dwelling places for the heart: kindness, compassion, joy, and balance. Known as the brahmavihāras, these states can be powerful supports for deepening concentration and insight on the contemplative path and responding to suffering. Throughout this retreat, we will explore techniques to develop each of these states, and release the obstacles that hinder us from living a full life and responding meaningfully to the needs of our world.
Retreat | Online Non-Residential | Hybrid
April 1 - April 8, 2025 | Tuesday - Tuesday
Steadying the Heart: Refuge through the Four Sublime States
Registration Open. The Buddhist path cultivates four transformative qualities that can be developed into steadfast dwelling places for the heart: kindness, compassion, joy, and balance. Known as the brahmavihāras, these states can be powerful supports for deepening concentration and insight on the contemplative path and responding to suffering. Throughout this retreat, we will explore techniques to develop each of these states, and release the obstacles that hinder us from living a full life and responding meaningfully to the needs of our world.
Retreat | Online Non-Residential | Hybrid
December 18 - December 23, 2025 | Thursday - Tuesday
Winter Solstice Retreat: Embracing the Dark, Inviting the Light
Registration Opens - February 19. Throughout this residential retreat, we will focus on centering ourselves at the time of the holidays and the New Year. Together we will quiet our minds, ground our bodies, open our hearts, and use inquiry to help energize our practice. Special emphasis will be placed on opening to the darkness, including to our difficulties and challenges, and opening to the coming light, which includes the beauty, joy, wisdom, and love within and around us.
Retreat | On-Land | Hybrid
December 18 - December 23, 2025 | Thursday - Tuesday | 5 nights
Winter Solstice Retreat: Embracing the Dark, Inviting the Light
Registration Opens - February 19. Throughout this residential retreat, we will focus on centering ourselves at the time of the holidays and the New Year. Together we will quiet our minds, ground our bodies, open our hearts, and use inquiry to help energize our practice. Special emphasis will be placed on opening to the darkness, including to our difficulties and challenges, and opening to the coming light, which includes the beauty, joy, wisdom, and love within and around us.
Dharma Library
Can't join us live online or on the land? Study and practice at your convenience with Oren Jay Sofer through our new library of recordings, articles, and self-paced online courses.
