Stephen Mugen Snyder, Roshi of Awakening Dharma

Welcome to Awakening Dharma

Awakening is what happens when we discover who we really are in the deepest spiritual sense. Awakening can happen to anyone, but for most of us it takes real effort and training. The methods that define the Buddhist path to awakening date back 2,500 years and have been passed on from teacher to student ever since. Awakening Dharma continues this tradition, fostering awakening and its embodiment in worldly life—through the application of authentic, rigorous Buddhist and modern practices.

Awakening Dharma offers:

The spiritual path isn’t just about seeking pleasant experiences; it also includes learning to be present with all that life offers—whether pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral—to live more authentic and wholesome lives.

New to Awakening Dharma?

Welcome! You may want to start by scheduling a free 15-minute introductory one-on-one or attending a dāna-based daylong meditation event.

Learn more about working with Stephen Mugen Snyder, Roshi.

Upcoming Daylong Programs

These dāna-based events are a great way to try out practicing with Mugen Roshi.

Koan of Cessation

Koan of Cessation

A Two-Day Online Retreat

When: August 22, 2026 – August 23, 2026

Where: Online, via Zoom

The Koan of Cessation will be an exploration of what Cessation is, how its viewed in Theravada Buddhism, and guided…

Online Meditation Class

Living from the Absolute Heart

A Day-long Online Retreat

When: September 13, 2026 at 11:00 am

Where: Online, via Zoom

Off the Cushion Practices In this daylong we will explore the “off-the-cushion” practices of the brahma viharas, the Absolute Heart…

Mu Koan Online Class

Unfolding the Koan “Mu”

A Day-long Online Retreat

When: November 29, 2026 at 11:00 am

Where: Online, via Zoom

Mu is not only the first koan, it can be viewed as the only koan.  Koan Zen teachers work with…

Experiencing Stream Entry

Experiencing Stream Entry

A Day-long Online Retreat

When: December 13, 2026 at 11:00 am

Where: Online, via Zoom

This daylong will focus on the awakeness of stream entry and how to develop, cultivate, and live from these qualities…

See full list of upcoming Programs & Meditation Retreats

Join a Meditation Mentoring Program

Mentoring programs meet monthly and help support deep home practice.

Demystifying Awakening Mentoring Group

Demystifying Awakening

A Monthly Mentoring Program

When: Monthly Program, Ongoing

Where: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm US Eastern Time Online, via Zoom

The program is a wonderfully rare opportunity for dharma practitioners to deepen awareness and work with the common resistances to…

Soothing the Longing Heart and Jhanas Practice

Soothing the Longing Heart & Jhanas Practice

A Monthly Mentoring Program

When: Monthly Program, Ongoing

Where: Online, via Zoom

This monthly mentoring program will offer an alternating monthly focus, commencing with traditional Theravada Samatha practices and holding every second…

Liberating the Self Meditation Retreat

Liberating the Heart and Self

A Monthly Mentoring Program

When: Monthly Program, Ongoing

Where: Online, via Zoom

This mentorship program is based on Mugen's newest book Liberating the Self, as well as his book Buddha's Heart. We…

See more upcoming Programs & Meditation Retreats.

Subscribe to Mugen Roshi’s Newsletter

Also, sign-up for the Monthly Sangha Gathering.

Other Highlights

Deconstructing Yourself podcast with Michael Taft: Power of the Heart

ANNOUNCEMENT: We’ve opened up an Online Attendance option for the Awakening Retreat in October .

YouTube player