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.

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, Bridge the Gap: Integrating Spiritual Practice into Life

Oren Jay Sofer's Upcoming Programs

Retreat On-Land Hybrid

December 18 - December 23, 2024 Wednesday - Monday | 5 nights

Winter Solstice Retreat: Embracing the Dark, Inviting the Light

Spaces 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.

Oren Jay Sofer

Oren Jay Sofer

devon hase

devon hase

Dawn Scott

Dawn Scott

Heather Sundberg

Heather Sundberg

David Cabrera

David Cabrera

Retreat Online Non-Residential | Hybrid

December 18 - December 23, 2024 Wednesday - Monday

Winter Solstice Retreat: Embracing the Dark, Inviting the Light

Spaces 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.

Oren Jay Sofer

Oren Jay Sofer

devon hase

devon hase

Dawn Scott

Dawn Scott

Heather Sundberg

Heather Sundberg

David Cabrera

David Cabrera

Retreat On-Land Hybrid

April 1 - April 8, 2025 Tuesday - Tuesday | 7 nights

Steadying the Heart: Refuge through the Four Sublime States

Registration Opens - December 3. 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.

Oren Jay Sofer

Oren Jay Sofer

Cara Lai

Cara Lai

Yong Oh

Yong Oh

Jessica Morey

Jessica Morey

Gullu Singh

Gullu Singh

Retreat Online Non-Residential | Hybrid

April 1 - April 8, 2025 Tuesday - Tuesday

Steadying the Heart: Refuge through the Four Sublime States

Registration Opens - December 3. 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.

Oren Jay Sofer

Oren Jay Sofer

Cara Lai

Cara Lai

Yong Oh

Yong Oh

Jessica Morey

Jessica Morey

Gullu Singh

Gullu Singh

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.