Meditation has never been easy—people in the Buddha’s time struggled with distraction, sleepiness, and worry the same way we do—but our sped-up, information-saturated culture makes it harder than ever. We all know it would be good to slow down and become more present, but how do we really do this?

Sean Feit Oakes, PhD

Sean teaches Buddhism and somatic practice focusing on the integration of meditation, trauma resolution, and social justice. He received teaching authorization from Jack Kornfield, and wrote his dissertation on extraordinary states in Buddhist meditation and experimental dance. He teaches at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and elsewhere.

He/they
Puerto Rican-English ancestors
Living on unceded Pomo land
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Upcoming Teaching

* All times are listed in Pacific (converter)

New York Insight: Sutta Study Class Series

5 Thursdays, Feb 27 – Mar 27, 2025 | 3:30-5pm PT | Online
Rebuild Your Attention – Buddhist Practices for Focus, Clarity, and Joy

Gay Buddhist Fellowship: Spring Retreat 2025

Wed-Sun, Apr 23-27, 2025 | Vajrapani Institute
* Open to queer, male-identified practitioners

Spirit Rock: Sutta Study Class Series

5 Thursdays, Jul 10 – Aug 7, 2025 | 1-3pm PT | Online
Breath, Body, and Awakening: Practicing the Ānāpānasati Sutta

Ongoing

Insight Meditation Satsang

Tuesdays 7:30-9pm, ongoing | Online
Meditation, teachings, & our lovely saṅgha. All are welcome.

Book Club: Reading the Dīgha Nikāya

Monthly Fridays, 8:30-10am | Online
Explore the Long Discourses of the Buddha. Join anytime. 
Next class Feb 21.

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