About the Online Program

This program was recorded on August 10, 17 and 24.


This program is now closed to new registrations.

Mindfulness is a quality of awareness in which our perception of the present moment’s experience is not distorted by biases such as old fears, assumptions, or projection into the future. It shows us what life looks like when we see through the lens of universal conditions such as impermanence and interconnection. Mindfulness spearheads the path of understanding our lives by helping us to notice what causes us suffering and what brings us freedom from suffering. It is the root of living our lives more fully and more truly. 

This program explores the meditative techniques of mindfulness applied in a variety of contexts, including wrestling with dukkha, making ethical decisions, seeking wisdom, coping with trauma, communicating, practicing lovingkindness, exploring equanimity, the commonality of science and mindfulness, and the role of mindfulness in everyday life.

Whether you use mindfulness to manage stress or difficult emotions, improve relationships, increase engagement, or enhance your overall well-being, these discussions can help you further live your mindfulness practice. This nine-month program features IMS teachers from many generations and backgrounds. You can participate in all nine months or pick and choose the topics that interest you most.

Interest in mindfulness meditation has been increasing over the past 40 years in the West. Correspondingly, there has been a great surge in scientific research on the impacts of meditation. Recent studies suggest a variety of potential benefits, ranging from managing depression, anxiety, addiction, and physical pain to boosting the immune system; and improving sleep. However, the science of mindfulness is still in its infancy and lacking in many respects. As an educated practitioner, how can studies support our practice and when do they become a hindrance? 

Our overall objective in this course is to cultivate more discernment in our relationship to mindfulness and lovingkindness research studies - both to appreciate their promise, as well as to understand their deficiencies. This program will include lectures, discussions, Q&R, as well as an invitation to read a limited selection of original research papers. In addition to Dr. Nikki Mirghafori, who will lead the course, Dr. Clifford Saron will serve as a guest speaker.

Meet Your Teacher

Nikki Mirghafori

Nikki Mirghafori, PhD, is a Buddhist teacher and Artificial Intelligence scientist. She is a lineage holder in the Theravada tradition, empowered by the Burmese master Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, as well as the Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Insight Meditation Society, and the Insight Meditation Center. She serves on the Teachers Council and Board of Directors at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA, and also as a Teacher at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. She's a Stanford-trained compassion cultivation instructor, a Berkeley ex-academic, and author. Nikki is of Persian heritage, and aspires to serve as a doula for wisdom and compassion.