Community Events

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Andrew Safer and Michael Carroll came together for an enriching conversation on mindfulness meditation and how we can engage with the profound paradoxes of our modern world. The session explored how insight, skill, and compassion can help us navigate a world filled with both abundant resources and heartbreaking crises. The Challenge We Face We live in a time of extraordinary possibility, yet we're simultaneously confronted by widespread tragedie

On January 27, 2026, we gathered on Zoom to explore Chapter Five of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche's  Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior , titled "Synchronizing Mind and Body." It was a facilitated group discussion where everyone was invited to share their reflections, questions, and insights, whether they were familiar with the teaching or encountering it for the first time. If you missed it and want to explore this teaching on your own, we recommend reading Chapter Five an

Exploring the Five Wisdom Energies with Irini Rockwell On December 11, 2025, The Wisdom Seat welcomed Irini Rockwell for an exploration of the Five Wisdom Energies, a Buddhist framework for understanding personality, emotions, and relationships in everyday life. Irini, who has been teaching for over 40 years and founded the Five Wisdoms Institute , introduced each energy's characteristics. She emphasized recognizing and aligning with each energy's wisdom aspects while working

On November 18, 2025, The Wisdom Seat gathered for a community discussion exploring Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche's teaching on nowness from chapter 11 of Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior . Board President Bill Moriarty facilitated the conversation, inviting everyone to share their reflections, questions, and insights on this foundational teaching. This session was not recorded. Trungpa Rinpoche writes: "The way to experience nowness is to realize that this very moment, t

At this month's Mindful Gathering, I presented on Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's life, his influence on American Buddhism, and connection to The Wisdom Seat. Born in 1910 in eastern Tibet, he spent 13 years in solitary retreat before being called to teach.

By Alison Driscoll Hearing about the teachings before taking the vows The Refuge & Bodhisattva Vow ceremonies took place at Pawo Khandro Ling, The Wisdom Seat meditation hall, both live and online, on Sunday, September 28th. Capably led by Michael Carroll, as preceptor, the ceremonies were uplifted and inspiring. Michael spoke about the view, practice, and conduct of each of the Refuge and Bodhisattva vow and prior to the ceremony spoke with each of those who took one or the

A Mindful Gathering with Dr. Varun Khanna Watch the recording: https://youtu.be/17XM3Gq2XxU Ever wonder what you're actually saying when you chant "Om" or mumble through "Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha"? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Varun Khanna, who studied traditional Sanskrit grammar in India and did his MPhil in Sanskrit and PhD in Hinduism at the University of Cambridge, UK . We explore how ancient practitioners understood Sanskrit as vibra

A Mindful Gathering with Michael Carroll and Bill Moriarty Watch the full discussion below: (I didn't record this one in the usual way, so only the hosts' video is displayed. My mistake -Bill) In our Mindful Gathering of July, we had an open conversation about the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. This discussion featured insights from Michael, a long-time practitioner of Buddhism, who shared his personal connection to these tea

This Summer SOULstice gathering was the third annual mini-retreat, and the excitement in the air was unmistakable. Coming together in person felt incredible. Sharing food and practicing together were highlights of the day. The pot-luck format encouraged everyone to contribute their favorite dishes. It was a beautiful reminder of how food can unite us, fostering connections and lively conversations that flowed as freely as the laughter around the table. With around 15 people a

A Mindful Gathering with Marybeth McMurray, Margerie Strousser, Michael Carroll, and Bill Moriarty

A Mindful Gathering with Bill Moriarty

A Mindful Gathering with Al San Valentin and Bill Moriarty

A Mindful Gathering with Jacqui Merrell and Bill Moriarty.

By Susanna Lack, Retreat Director In October 2024, we held the first Wisdom Seat  (TWS) Retreat at the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD)  monastery in the delightful upstate New York Catskill Mountains.  Michael Carroll, cofounder of The Wisdom Seat, led this transformative 8-day practice intensive, supported by members of T​WS staff. The retreat was designed to help participants deepen their mindfulness-awareness meditation and integrate it into daily life. The retreat includ

A Mindful Gathering with Michael Carroll and Bill Moriarty

A Mindful Gathering with Corina Benner and Bill Moriarty

A Mindful Gathering with Alison Driscoll and Bill Moriarty

A Mindful Gathering with Michael Carroll, Jeremiah Fruchtman, and Bill Moriarty

This retreat, held from June 26th to July 6th at Drala Mountain Center, was guided by esteemed teachers Michael Carroll, Susan Piver, Michele Sapanaro, and Maho Kawachi, the retreat explored the concepts of authentic presence and the feminine principle. Over the course of ten days, participants immersed themselves in a supportive and spacious community, engaging in deep study, meditation, and the practice of letting go.

In this all-day mini-retreat with Corina Benner, we celebrated the beginning of summer at Pawo Khandro Ling.