Compassion Meditation

I integrate traditional Buddhist practices with key concepts and techniques from Western Psychology to help people navigate the challenges of daily life & work.

Upcoming Offerings:

Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT), 8 Week Online Course — Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30am Pacific Time, October 23 – December 11, 2024

CCT is a multifaceted exploration of how connection and kindness might transform human experience. Originally developed at Stanford University in 2009, CCT draws on both contemplative and scientific approaches to the mind and offers techniques and practices for opening the heart and building courage in the face of adversity. We will meet for 2 hours a week, for 8 weeks, on Zoom. Each class includes meditation practices, informal lecture, group discussion, in-class listening, and communication exercises with partners and small groups. Home practice is a key aspect of the training. Click here for more details.

(Above) Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D. provides a concise overview of what to expect from her 8 week CCT course.

“Tonglen: A Journey in Transformation and Ease” — Sunday Dharma Talk Series at Nyingma Institue — Sunday, Sept 8, 6-7pm Pacific (9-10pm EDT)

Tonglen is a profound meditation practice that works with intention, feeling, imagery, and breath to help people learn how to transform suffering into ease and to build a commitment to being of help to oneself and others.  It is a simple and profound practice that some people find intimidating. In this talk, Nyingma instructor and psychological scientist Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D. will deconstruct this practice and offer insights on how to work with it in daily life. Her talk will come from the perspectives of Nyingma psychology, Buddhist meditation, and current scientific thinking.

This event can be attended either in person at Nyingma Institute, or online via Zoom

 

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Photo from Stanford University CCARE Research and Experiments on Compassion II Meeting with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, October 10, 2020. Watch the full video of this scientific panel discussion.

Photo from Stanford University CCARE Research and Experiments on Compassion II Meeting with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, October 10, 2020. Watch the full video of this scientific panel discussion.

Teaching Affiliations

Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D., has been teaching compassion meditation for close to 30 years. Her notable teaching affiliations include the following institutions:

  • The Compassion Institute

  • Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE)

  • Nyingma Institute

  • Esalen

  • Kripalu

  • Psychedelic Sangha NYC

(Above) Dr. Rosenberg joins Erric Solomon, host of The Kind Heartfulness Podcast, for a discussion on the basis of compassion, how it helps with every aspect of our lives, and gives practical, experientially focused exercises to help us have more compassion.

“Taking your class is one of the best decisions I've made in my life so far….I have enjoyed being a part of your class and am so grateful for your vulnerability and leadership. Your teaching has given me the tools I was looking for to better help my self and my community…I am empowered to help in ways I didn't think possible before. “

— Mary Ann Martin, Birmingham, AL

“I took the class so I could grow in my self-compassion.  I did not expect that it would change the way I interfaced with the world and humanity.  This is just the beginning.  The words Thank You feel so small.  You have personally elevated my purpose in life.  The work that you do leaves me in awe.”

— Rose Hayes, Technologist (Retired)

Psychedelic Integration

I lead sessions for integration of psychedelic experiences, in which we work with meditation and other exercises to incorporate the range of states and insights — both pleasant and unpleasant — that can arise from such inner journeys.