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, 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
Class Series | Online | Dharma Institute
October 15 - November 19, 2026 | 6 Thursdays | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Wise Communication: Roots of Transformative Relationships
Communication is where practice meets real life. In this six-week live online course, Oren Jay Sofer offers practical training in mindful communication, grounded in the Buddha’s teachings on Right Speech and supported by tools from Nonviolent Communication and trauma-informed awareness. Through guided meditations, reflections, and interactive exercises, you’ll learn to stay present in difficult conversations, listen beneath conflict, and speak with clarity, honesty, and care. Open to all; no prior experience necessary.
Oren Jay Sofer
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.
Oren Jay Sofer
devon hase
Yong Oh
Heather Sundberg
Kimi Mojica (Movement Teacher)
Fernmarie Rodriguez (Teacher in Training)
Retreat | Online | Hybrid
December 18 - December 23, 2026 | Friday - Wednesday
Winter Solstice Retreat: Embracing the Dark, Inviting the Light
Spaces Still Available! Throughout this 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.
Oren Jay Sofer
devon hase
Yong Oh
Heather Sundberg
Kimi Mojica (Movement Teacher)
Fernmarie Rodriguez (Teacher in Training)
Retreat | Online
December 18 - December 23, 2026 | Friday - Wednesday | Self-paced@Home Retreat
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.
Oren Jay Sofer
devon hase
Yong Oh
Heather Sundberg
Kimi Mojica (Movement Teacher)
Fernmarie Rodriguez (Teacher in Training)
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.
