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

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Spirit Rock: Monday Night Meditation & Dharma Talk

Monday, May 12, 2025 | Spirit Rock Online and On Land!
Vesak 2568: Celebrating the Buddha, our Root Teacher

Saṅgha Live: Sunday Saṅgha

Sunday, May 18, 2025 | Saṅgha Live Online
Vesak 2568: The Radical Message of Siddhattha Gotama 

New York Insight: Sutta Study Class Series

5 Thursdays, May 22 – June 19, 2025 | New York Insight Online
Seeing the Dhamma: How Practice Leads to Understanding

Spirit Rock: Monday Night Meditation & Dharma Talk

Monday, June 23, 2025 | Spirit Rock Online and On Land!
Queer pride month practice & talk: “Solidarity in the Face of Backlash”

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 May 16.

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