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Robert and Bhikku Rastrapol ∙ The Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya, India 1979

A Lifetime of Practice

Robert Beatty is a member of the first wave of Theravada Buddhist teachers who brought mindfulness from Asia in the 1970s. With over 50 years of Buddhist practice and decades of psychotherapy experience, Robert teaches what he calls "life-affirming Buddhism"—an approach that emphasizes engagement with life rather than escape from it. 

In 1983 Robert was empowered to teach the Dharma by Ruth Denison.  Robert’s approach views emotions as teachers and relationships as curriculum. He authored "Mindfulness for a Happy Life" (⭐️ 4.9 on Amazon). He has taught more than 150 residential retreats and countless classes and workshops. He has built a dedicated community through his compassionate, accessible approach to ancient wisdom. He uses silence, dharma talks, humor, movement, music, poetry and drumming to teach meditation for everyday life. Robert is deeply engaged with life and is a husband, father, grandfather, poet, healer and musician. 
Following the Buddhist dana tradition, Robert ensures that no one is turned away for lack of funds..

New to Meditation? 

Start Your Journey Here

6 Session Introduction

If you're new to meditation, begin here. These six guided sessions offer a genuine foundation—taking you from your first moments of practice to solid ground. Having a teacher's guidance from the start helps clear the confusion and misunderstanding that often surrounds meditation, giving you the confidence to continue and to practice well.

click here for the meditations

Mindfulness for a Happy Life

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.9 rating on Amazon
Robert's personable, accessible guide to what insight meditation really is—for skeptics and monks alike

Many people find that Robert’s book Mindfulness for a Happy Life  finally makes Buddhist meditation and teachings understandable. It's practical and approachable—focused on what genuinely helps you practice and live with more wisdom and compassion.

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Personal Meditation Training

​What if the missing piece in your spiritual journey isn't another technique,
​but a wise and skillful guide? 

While apps and books can teach you techniques, real transformation requires something they can't provide: a guide who sees your blind spots, challenges your assumptions, and walks alongside you through the difficult inner work. What would shift if someone who could really listen finally asked you the right questions? 

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Train With Robert

Deepen your practice through classes, retreats and personal guidance

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Classes

Love & Happiness (hybrid: in-person & online)
​A ten-week group in which we will cultivate real love and an open heart. Learn to meet life's challenges with compassion, find genuine joy, and stay balanced even when things fall apart.
10 Wednesday Evenings, starting Feb. 18
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Mindfulness for the Awakened Heart (hybrid)
An ongoing Thursday evening meditation gathering where we practice what could be called Life-Affirming Buddhism. Drop in when you can—in person in Portland or online from anywhere. Meet your actual life with wisdom and an open heart.

Every Thursday Evening, beginning Feb. 26
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Morning Meditation
Begin each weekday morning meditating with friends in a small group. It's a gentle way to start the day—sitting together in silence, then carrying that clarity and calm into whatever comes next.

6:30 - 7:15 Drop in.
learn more and link to join the meditation

Retreats

Remembering Death (hybrid):
One-day retreat, Feb. 21
A day-long hybrid retreat exploring death and impermanence. Facing what we most fear actually opens us to greater joy, freedom, and love. When we accept that all things end, we can finally be fully present to our lives. Through guided meditation, video segments, and small group sharing, we'll explore how contemplating death makes us more alive. February 21,  9-5. Click below for more information and registration ​
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What Students Say

​"Robert's teaching helped me find peace with my anxiety. His life-affirming approach made meditation feel accessible rather than overwhelming. My practice has become a refuge."

Sarah M.
6 month student

​"After years of struggling alone, Robert's individual training transformed my relationship to difficulty. He meets you exactly where you are with wisdom and compassion."​

James T.
Individual training student

"The retreat was life-changing. Robert creates a safe space for deep practice while keeping it real and relatable. I finally understand what mindfulness really means."

Maria K.
Retreat Participant

Support the Teachings

Robert follows the ancient Buddhist tradition of dana (generosity). All teachings, including group classes, retreats, and individual training, have suggested donations, with sliding scale available. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Your generosity helps sustain these teachings and keeps them accessible to all.

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Resources offered on a Dana basis to Support your Ongoing Dharma Explorations

Morning Meditation
Weekdays
6:30-7:15am PST

YouTube
Channel
Dharma talks,
guided meditations and a new poem each weekday

Substack
Newsletter
Dharma Driver:
Writings from the road

Podcast
Guided Meditations, Poems and Dharma Teachings.
Available on Apple, Spotify and others.

Instagram
Dharma teaching and inspiration