
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:
- Teaching to support Zen awakening and cessation including koans, shikantaza meditation, and other Zen practices
- Teaching of the heart meditations, jhana, and other traditional Theravada purification of mind practices
- Warm-hearted and supportive environment
- One-on-one instruction, mentoring, online meditation retreats, and residential meditation retreats
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
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…
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…
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
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
“Every bell was the empty Universe ringing, every chant the whole body and mind singing. The absolutely silent moment service ended was Eternity revealed as our own true nature. It’s been that way for countless kalpas of existence.”
— MARK SANDO MININBERG, ROSHI
Join a Meditation Mentoring Program
Mentoring programs meet monthly and help support deep home practice.
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 & 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 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.
Demystifying Awakening
Liberating the Self
Living Awakeness
Buddha’s Heart
Other Highlights
On-Going Meditation Groups
- Meditation Practice Group meets every two weeks.
- Tuesday Meditation Group meets weekly.
- Friday Meditation Group meets weekly.
- Swedish Meditation Practice Group meets every two weeks.
Self-Paced Courses
Other News
- Harvard Study on Nirodha Samāpatti (Cessation).
- A new Subreddit has been created.
- More Recent News.
ANNOUNCEMENT: We’ve opened up an Online Attendance option for the Awakening Retreat in October .


