Robert Beatty is a pioneering figure in the Theravada Buddhist tradition In the 1970s, he was among the first teachers to introduce Insight Meditation and Mindfulness from Asia to the West. With decades of experience, he has profoundly impacted his students and the meditation community His work has focused on bridging the teachings of Buddhism with Western psychotherapy, creating a unique synthesis that resonates with people from all walks of life.
Robert's teaching approach is profoundly human and life-affirming He meets students where they are, offering a blend of Buddhist methods of awakening and healing with practical psychological tools. His willingness to share his life experiences and vulnerabilities has been a key aspect of his teaching style, encouraging his students to reflect and engage deeply with their journeys. His approach is intellectual and emotional, weaving meditation, humor, music, poetry, and movement into his teachings He guides others to face life's challenges and beauty with an open heart, embracing the joys and difficulties of being human
The guidance of numerous respected teachers has profoundly shaped his spiritual journey. He was a dedicated student of Ruth Denison for 43 years, a relationship that continued until Ruth's passing in 2015. In 1982, Ruth authorized Robert to teach in the Burmese Buddhist lineage of U Ba Khin His journey also led him to study non-dual spirituality with Matthew Flickstein for a decade His travels took him to Burma, where he took novice ordination under Tangpulu Sayadaw, and to India, where he practiced with influential teachers such as USN Goenka, Bhikku Rastropol, and Anagarika Munindra Through these experiences, he profoundly understood traditional Buddhist teachings and modern therapeutic methods
Robert’s academic background reflects his passion for understanding the mind and human behavior At 21, he graduated with a BSc in Psychology and Chemistry from McGill University in Canada. Afterward, he embarked on a journey worldwide, spending time in Australia, Switzerland, and elsewhere In 1972, his encounter with Buddhist meditation during a Goenka retreat marked a turning point in his life He subsequently became a monk in India, but his monastic life was cut short due to health issues, and he returned to Canada.
His travels led him to a deep awareness of the environmental issues that were already beginning to plague the planet. Upon returning to Canada, Robert pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies at York University in Toronto, where he explored how human actions impact the natural world and how people can live in greater harmony with nature. It was during this time that he first encountered Western psychotherapy and began integrating it with meditation practices His studies focused on understanding how humans can become more aware of their impact on the world and how to foster deeper connections with nature and each other
In 1979, Robert moved to Portland, Oregon, where he furthered his education, earning a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University. His early career included working as a relapse specialist and meditation teacher in addiction treatment at Springbrook, NW Later, he
worked as a social worker in hospice care at Providence Willamette Falls Hospice, where he confronted the realities of sickness, aging, death, and dying. These experiences enriched his understanding of human suffering and the healing process, further deepening his ability to guide others on their paths.
In 1980, Robert founded the Portland Vipassana Sangha, which later evolved into the Portland Insight Meditation Community (PIMC) in 2000 With the support of Ruth Denison, he led this thriving community, which became a hub for classes, retreats, and spiritual events. Under his leadership, PIMC purchased a church that became a central location for meditation and community activities Robert mentored several next-generation teachers, and his influence has been felt across the Pacific Northwest. After leading PIMC for over two decades, Robert left the organization in 2024 and has since focused on individual teaching and consultation
In addition to his work as a teacher, Robert has authored a book titled Mindfulness for a Happy Life: New Teachings of an Old Tradition for Today's World, which can be found on Amazon Throughout his career, he has conducted more than 200 residential retreats and conferences across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, helping countless individuals overcome psychological and emotional challenges His teachings are also available through podcasts and videos on his website and YouTube channel, where he continues to share his wisdom with a broader audience.
Beyond his professional work, Robert is deeply engaged in his personal life He is a husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a poet and musician. He has experienced life's challenges, including marriage, divorce, career, illness, success, and loss His teaching approach is grounded in life's practical realities, helping individuals navigate the ups and downs of their personal and professional journeys. His work is about achieving success and dealing with life's inevitable disappointments with grace and resilience
Through his teachings and consultations, he has supported individuals in various stages of life. He has helped people succeed in their careers and those who have let go of everything in preparation for death He has worked with activists, allowing them to be more effective in their work and with those on a spiritual journey seeking to end their suffering and find meaning. Robert offers meditation and Buddhist psychology classes, providing individuals with the tools to enhance their psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being
Robert Beatty Today
Robert continues to offer teachings and consultations, guiding people on their journey of self-discovery and healing His website, www.robertbeatty.com, offers further insights into his work and services, and his teachings can be found on platforms such as Podbean and YouTube. Through his life and teachings, Robert Beatty remains a beacon of wisdom, offering a compassionate and grounded approach to meditation, psychology, and living a fulfilled life