Robert Beatty Buddhist

Robert Beatty is a member of the first wave of Theravada Buddhist teachers who introduced Insight Meditation and Mindfulness from Asia in the 1970s. His teaching approach focuses on meeting people where they are in their journeys, offering a unique blend of Buddhist methods and Western psychotherapy. He has guided thousands of students, helping them incorporate Buddhist principles into their everyday lives. His teaching style is grounded in authenticity and openness, using meditation, humor, music, poetry, and movement to help individuals confront life's difficulties with a compassionate heart and a clear mind. Robert has learned from several teachers, each shaping his approach to mindfulness and meditation. He studied under a prominent teacher for over four decades, and in 1982, he was authorized to teach within the Burmese Buddhist tradition. He also studied non-dual spirituality and spent time in Burma, where he received novice ordination. His teachings were further enriched through his practice in India, where he worked with several other influential teachers in the Buddhist tradition. After earning his BSc in Psychology and Chemistry from McGill University, Robert traveled the world, living and working in various countries, including Australia and Switzerland. His life took a significant turn in 1972 when he attended a Buddhist meditation retreat that inspired him to become a monk in India. However, due to health issues, he could not continue and returned to Canada. This period of his life sparked a deep interest in combining Western psychotherapy with meditation, an approach he would pursue throughout his career. Robert later earned a Master's degree in Environmental Studies, where his academic work focused on understanding the human impact on the environment and how to live in harmony with nature and one another. He also encountered Western psychotherapy during his studies, which further influenced his approach to meditation.