There’s so much beauty in suffering. When you go through the suffering that a lot of us have, you go through such a darkness that you learn to have gratitude for the smallest thing. There were times I didn’t think that I was going to make it out of that space. But when you’ve hit a certain level of suffering and you think there is nothing else, you can look back at these times in that darkness and be like, man, if I didn’t know the depths and the levels of darkness, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy this moment right now. When I was literally crawling on the bottom, like “I don’t know if I can make it,” Zen was like “Yes, you can.”
Hakim Tafari
Movement Teacher
Hakim has studied martial arts since 1996, beginning with Southern-style Praying Mantis Kung Fu. After a major knee injury, his focus shifted to the internal arts. Following extensive research and reflection, he began dedicated study and practice of Tai Chi Chuan.
Since 1998, Hakim has immersed himself in the internal martial arts—practicing, teaching, researching, and deepening his connection to the spiritual roots of these traditions. His path naturally led him to Taoism, which resonated deeply with the meditative and mystical qualities of Tai Chi.
Over the years, Hakim has studied with respected teachers in a range of arts, including Tai Chi, Wuji, Qigong, Baguazhang, Aikido, and the Filipino stick-fighting discipline of Arnis. His commitment to a lifestyle grounded in veganism and martial arts eventually opened the door to the profound teachings of Buddhism. Through the Dharma—the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path—he continues to cultivate calm, clarity, and mindfulness, guiding his actions and dissolving the grip of ego.
Hakim Tafari's Upcoming Programs
Retreat | On-Land
August 4 - August 8, 2026 | Tuesday - Saturday | 4 nights
Young Adult Retreat
For those Young adults ages 18-32 years. Spaces Still Available! Join a kind community to practice mindfulness and compassion. Offer yourself freedom from overstimulation and come home to the experience of being alive. In mindfulness meditation, we rest and look deeply, knowing moment-by-moment what it is like to be human. Some of us are hesitant to look because there is concern about what we’ll find. Our practice shows us that the more deeply we look, the more reason we have to love.
Retreat | On-Land
September 8 - September 14, 2026 | Tuesday - Monday | 6 nights
Steadying the Heart: Refuge through the Four Sublime States
Spaces Still Available! 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 | On-Land
October 12 - October 20, 2026 | Monday - Tuesday | 8 nights
Fall Insight Meditation Retreat
Spaces Still Available! Rooted in the Thai Forest Tradition, this vipassanā retreat invites a deep settling of the mind, an opening of the heart, and a steady cultivation of clarity and insight. Through a blend of traditional meditation instruction and the nourishing presence of lovingkindness, participants will be guided toward greater stillness, spaciousness, and embodied awareness. The retreat will include periods of seated and walking meditation, Dharma talks, optional movement practices, and one-on-one meetings with teachers to support your journey of practice.
Retreat | On-Land
December 27 - January 4, 2027 | Sunday - Monday | 8 nights
New Year's Insight Meditation Retreat
Spaces Still Available! This is a traditional Insight Meditation (vipassanā) retreat with stillness and movement in silence, and meetings with teachers. Each day there will be meditation instructions, Dharma talks, and movement practice. We will mark the turning of the year with a late evening sitting and simple ceremony on New Year’s Eve. In celebration of the New Year, our focus will be on cultivating loving awareness and embracing each moment as fresh and new. All are welcome.
