About Daniel Ingram

I am an arahat with mastery of the formed jhanas, formless realms, Nirodha Samapatti, and a few other traditional attainments.

I am one of the few teachers I know of who will talk about high-level practice directly and unambiguously without relying on dogma, making things taboo or coating simple truths in mystery. I assume that most practitioners are mature enough to handle straight-forward and honest answers. My fundamental assumption is that many more people will be empowered to realize that they can master these things if they are out in the open.

I am interested in spiritual awakening, green building, medicine, dance, yoga, gardening, car repair, travel, music, poetry, and living a fun and useful life. Current projects include helping with the Dharma Overground, building a strawbale house, and learning about permaculture.

I draw primarily from the teachings of the Buddha as they have come down to us in the various traditions, particularly the Theravada, and have trained under teachers from all the major Buddhist traditions over the last 11 years. Within the Theravada, my primary influence is the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition of insight meditation from Burma, and I have been given permission to teach by Sayadaw U Pandita, Junior in that lineage.

My teaching style is noted for putting the emphasis on the precision, consistency and inclusiveness of the awareness of the practitioner. I place strong emphasis on the fact that realization and skill in the concentration states is possible with the sufficient application of basic techniques and a willingness to be with reality as it is.

I emphasize the spirit of the explorer in one's heart, mind and body. When teaching, I prefer the company of fellow adventurers who freely share what they know to help each go deeper into their own journey rather than any other sort of relationship. You must do it on your own, but having the support of others who know the path and are enthusiastic is usually of great value, not to mention more fun.

I have a particular interest in the following:

• the maps of insight and concentration practice
• making real progress in insight using daily practice and retreats of a few weeks duration while maintaining jobs, studies, relationships, etc.,
• how ancient and time-tested techniques can improve our modern lives
• how we can cut through the dogma of traditions to get to the core technology for meditation development and healthy living on this Earth

I teach as much because I enjoy it as the fact that these teachings and techniques are so fundamental to living an awakened life.

I hold an MD, an MSPH in Epidemiology, and a BA in English Literature, all from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

I live in Northern Alabama with my wife and work as a physician in emergency departments there.

Those interested in sharing the dharma should click here: Contact Information and Advice.

If you are thinking about discussing dharma practice with me, I strongly suggest that you check out my free on-line book, Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha, as it is very much in my own voice. A nicely-bound book version is now available from Aeon Publications and may be ordered through your local independent bookseller or the standard megastores.

I wish you well and hope that you find what you are looking for.