THE MEASURE OF OUR HUMANITY: with Jack Kornfield at Upaya

Join internationally acclaimed meditation teacher Jack Kornfield for a transformative spiritual workshop at Upaya in Santa Fe. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, this intimate gathering brings together some of today's most respected voices in mindfulness, compassion, and conscious living to explore what it truly means to be human. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to meditation, this local spiritual workshop event promises profound teachings and genuine connection with a community of seekers.

This special gathering pairs Jack Kornfield's decades of wisdom with insights from his collaborator Tara Brach and renowned author Michael Pollan, creating a unique dialogue between contemplative practice, psychology, and our relationship with the natural world. The day unfolds as a journey inward and outward—examining how meditation shapes our values, relationships, and role in the world. At its heart, this spiritual workshop invites us to measure our humanity not by achievement, but by presence, compassion, and conscious awareness.

The atmosphere at Upaya cultivates both stillness and openness. You'll find yourself in a space designed for deep listening, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary inquiry. This is more than a lecture; it's an invitation to practice alongside teachers who have dedicated their lives to understanding the human heart.

What to Expect

Arrive early to settle into Upaya's serene grounds and find your seat in the meditation hall. The morning opens with gentle guided meditation, allowing your mind and body to arrive fully before the teachings begin. As you sit in silence, surrounded by fellow practitioners, you'll notice the quality of collective awareness that emerges when many people practice together.

Throughout the day, you'll move between periods of meditation, interactive teachings, and contemplative dialogue. Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach will explore themes of ethics, resilience, and what compassion truly requires of us. Michael Pollan's perspectives will ground these practices in our everyday lives—how mindfulness reshapes the way we eat, relate to nature, and make choices. Each segment is designed with spaciousness, honoring both the teachings and the inner work happening within you.

By day's end, you'll leave with practical tools for deepening your practice, a sense of belonging to a larger sangha (spiritual community), and renewed clarity about what matters most. The experience concludes with closing meditation and time for reflection before you return to your life.

About the Artists

Jack Kornfield is a world-renowned meditation teacher, psychologist, and author with over 50 years of practice in both Eastern monasteries and Western therapeutic settings. His gentle, accessible teaching style has introduced millions to vipassana meditation and Buddhist psychology. Jack's work bridges ancient wisdom and modern life, making profound practices available to people of all backgrounds.

Tara Brach is an acclaimed meditation teacher, psychologist, and author known for her warm, intelligent approach to mindfulness and self-compassion. Her unique voice weaves together Buddhist teachings, neuroscience, and depth psychology to help people heal and awaken. Tara's contributions to this spiritual workshop bring a somatic, emotionally attuned dimension to contemplative practice.

Michael Pollan is an influential writer and educator who has spent decades investigating food systems, agriculture, and our relationship with nature. His rigorous research and accessible storytelling illuminate how our choices—from what we eat to how we move through the world—reflect and shape our consciousness. Michael brings a grounding perspective that connects inner practice to outer responsibility.

Venue & Location

Upaya Zen Center is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a city renowned for its spiritual culture, artistic vitality, and high-altitude clarity. The center itself sits on land that feels both contemplative and alive, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The meditation hall and grounds are designed to support deep practice, with ample space for movement, reflection, and community gathering.

Santa Fe is easily accessible by car, with parking available at the venue. The surrounding neighborhood offers restaurants, galleries, and cultural spaces, making a weekend visit rich with possibility. Whether you're local to New Mexico or traveling from afar, Upaya provides a sanctuary for genuine spiritual work.