60Robert Beatty is a member of the first wave of Theravada Buddhist teachers who brought Insight Meditation and Mindfulness to the West in the 1970s. His approach to teaching is centered around meeting individuals where they are, blending traditional Buddhist teachings with Western psychotherapy. Over the years, he has guided thousands of students, helping them integrate meditation and mindfulness into their daily lives. His teaching style is rooted in authenticity, combining meditation, humor, music, poetry, and movement to support individuals in navigating life’s challenges with compassion and presence.
Throughout his journey, Robert has been fortunate to study with several influential teachers who have shaped his approach to meditation. He spent over four decades learning from a prominent teacher, eventually receiving authorization to teach within the Burmese Buddhist tradition in 1982. He also studied non-dual spirituality and practiced in Burma, where he took novice ordination. His studies continued in India, where he worked with various other teachers who deepened his understanding of Buddhist practice.
After earning his BSc in Psychology and Chemistry from McGill University, Robert embarked on a journey of self-discovery, traveling and living in various countries, including Australia and Switzerland. His life took a pivotal turn in 1972 when he attended a Buddhist meditation retreat that inspired him to ordain as a monk in India. However, he could not continue on that path due to health reasons and returned to Canada. This experience sparked his interest in blending Western psychotherapy with Buddhist meditation, a focus that would become central to his work.
Upon his return to Canada, Robert pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies. His academic work explored the human impact on the environment and how individuals can live in greater harmony with nature and one another. He also encountered Western psychotherapy during his studies, which further influenced his approach to meditation and mindfulness.
In 1979, Robert moved to Portland, Oregon, where he earned his Master of Social Work degree. He worked in addiction treatment and later moved to hospice care, providing support for individuals and families navigating illness and the end of life. In 1980, he founded a meditation group that grew into the Portland Insight Meditation Community. Under his leadership, the community flourished and, over time, acquired a space that became a hub for meditation classes and retreats. Robert stepped down from his role in the community in 2024 to focus on individual teaching and consultations.
Robert is the author of Mindfulness for a Happy Life: New Teachings of an Old Tradition for Today's World. Over his career, he has helped countless individuals overcome emotional and psychological challenges through meditation. His teachings have reached thousands through classes, residential retreats, and conferences across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada.
Robert continues to offer individual consultations and teachings on meditation, Buddhist psychology, and emotional well-being. His website, www.robertbeatty.com, provides more information about his work.