Robert Beatty Buddhist

Robert Beatty is one of the early Theravada Buddhist teachers who introduced Insight Meditation and Mindfulness practices to the West in the 1970s. His approach to teaching emphasizes meeting students where they are in their journeys, blending Buddhist meditation with Western psychotherapy. Over the years, he has helped thousands of individuals incorporate mindfulness and meditation into their daily lives. His teaching style combines various elements, such as meditation, humor, music, poetry, and movement, helping others face life’s challenges with a compassionate and open heart. Throughout his career, Robert had the privilege of learning from several influential teachers. He studied under a respected teacher for over four decades, eventually receiving authorization to teach within the Burmese Buddhist tradition in 1982. Additionally, he studied non-dual spirituality and practiced in Burma, where he took novice ordination. His training continued in India, where he deepened his understanding of Buddhist teachings and meditation. After receiving his BSc in Psychology and Chemistry from McGill University, he traveled the world, living and working in Australia and Switzerland. His life took a transformative turn in 1972 when he attended a Buddhist meditation retreat that inspired him to ordain as a monk in India. However, due to health concerns, Robert had to return to Canada, which sparked his deep interest in integrating Western psychotherapy with Buddhist meditation—a theme central to his work moving forward. Upon his return to Canada, Robert pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies, focusing on understanding how humans impact the natural world and how individuals can live more harmoniously with nature. It was also during this time that he encountered Western psychotherapy, which influenced his approach to integrating meditation with emotional and psychological well-being. In 1979, Robert moved to Portland, Oregon, where he earned his Master of Social Work degree. He worked in addiction treatment and later moved into hospice care, offering emotional and psychological support to individuals and families facing 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, eventually acquiring a space for meditation classes and retreats. In 2024, Robert stepped down from his leadership role 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. He has helped countless individuals address emotional and psychological challenges throughout his career 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 in meditation, Buddhist psychology, and emotional well-being. For more information about his work, please visit his website.