Wisdom knows two things. Wisdom discerns skillful from unskillful, helpful from unhelpful. It can tell the difference between the various intentions that arise in our own heart and mind, to know how to navigate and steer in life. Fundamentally, wisdom knows the difference between suffering and its end; stress, what leads to stress, and how stress ends. It’s the beginning, but also the end of the path.
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
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 | Hybrid
December 18 - December 23, 2026 | Friday - Wednesday | 5 nights
Winter Solstice Retreat: Embracing the Dark, Inviting the Light
Spaces Still Available! This retreat will focus on centering ourselves during the holidays, quieting our minds, grounding in our bodies, opening our hearts, and using inquiry to energize our practice. Special emphasis will be placed on opening to the darkness, including our difficulties and challenges, and opening to the coming light—to the beauty, joy, wisdom, and love within and around us. The retreat will include sitting and walking meditation, daily lovingkindness and Qigong practice, evening talks, practice discussions, and a Winter Solstice ceremony.
Retreat | Online | Hybrid
December 18 - December 23, 2026 | Friday - Wednesday
Winter Solstice Retreat: Embracing the Dark, Inviting the Light
Spaces Still Available! 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.
