Gregory Kramer

Gregory Kramer, PhD, developed the practice of insight dialogue and has taught it worldwide since 1995. He has also taught Buddhist insight meditation for nearly 30 years.

Gregory is the guiding teacher and co-founder of the Metta Foundation where he has pioneered online meditation and contemplation practices. He is on the adjunct faculty of the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, and co-developed the Interpersonal Mindfulness Program for Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Center for Mindfulness.

His teachers include the widely respected monks Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Maha Nayaka Thera, Ven. Punnaji Maha Thera, Achan Sobin Namto, and the nun Anagarika Dhammadina.

For further information about Gregory Kramer and insight dialogue visit

What is insight dialogue, in a nutshell?

It is the extension of personal, silent meditation practice into the interpersonal sphere. The technique, the qualities cultivated, and the intentions of the vipassana tradition are all maintained—sati (mindfulness), samàdhi (concentration), and sammà ditthi (right view) remain central to the process – and these qualities are brought to the interpersonal engagement with others.

Just as you carefully attend to sense data and bring awareness to mental states during silent vipassana retreats, you can also attend to the words being spoken to you by others, along with all sorts of nonverbal signals that come along with communication. The heart vibrates, the organism vibrates, and this is known.

About

There are a number of communities and individuals who practise insight meditation, as well as people who teach it, in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This website lets you know who they are and where they can be found, as well as where you can find sitting groups, learn to meditate, and sign up for retreats.

Contact the community or person nearest to you to find out more.

A Thought for Today

We are the first generation of spiritual aspirants to attempt to find a life of awakening and freedom while living in the world rather than within the cloistered walls of a monastery.

There are few sure voices or blueprints to guide us. We are learning the lessons of engaged renunciation — treasuring simplicity within a life of consciously loving, working, and creating. The dilemma each of us faces is how to meet our heart’s longing of calm simplicity amid a complex life.

It is a journey that may involve a change in our lives. It will surely involve a change of heart. It is a journey that asks for honesty, commitment, wisdom, and a willingness to learn.

— Christina Feldman