Richard Witteman

Richard began meditating in his early 20’s, and was a student of Roshi Philip Kapleau at the Rochester Zen Center for ten years. He then began working with Toni Packer, who was Philip Kapleau's dharma heir. In the early 1980’s, Toni decided to leave the Zen tradition to explore fresh ways of meditation and inquiry, and with a community of people founded Springwater Center, a country retreat center near Rochester, NY. Richard has been part of Springwater since its beginning.In the early 2000’s, Toni asked several people including Richard to carry on the work of meditative inquiry. Since then, he has been facilitating retreats and meeting with people.Richard lives in northern California, spending part of the year at Springwater. He loves to play, build things, explore, and walk in the wonders of nature. Learn more: https://www.springwatercenter.org/teachers/richard-witteman/ Some words from Richard:Over the years, I've come to feel that meditation is an invitation to wonder and curiosity. An invitation to soften around our ideas of what life is or should be and to enter into the living fullness and mystery of simply being here. With the same spirit of wonder and curiosity we had as children—allowing everything to be fresh and unknown.It's an invitation to pause and be quiet. To listen to what is here, including everything! The wonder of color and light and sound. The subtle movements and sensations of the body. The dance of thought and emotion. And the utter mystery of seeing and knowing—of awareness.What is this open space we call awareness? If I let go the name and soften around trying to understand with thought, what might I discover? If I turn with curiosity towards awareness itself, what might open up?

Upcoming Programs by Richard Witteman

“Really enjoyed my time at Menla. It’s amazingly peaceful and quiet, the people are incredibly nice and approachable, the humility of the Dalai Lama permeates throughout the place. The accommodations are nice and the food is great.”

Scott Parry

“Your facilities and location are outstanding for retreats, and the staff are incredibly courteous and helpful. Being in the mountains, wandering along the streams and paths and disconnecting from the business of our daily lives was wonderful. Thank you for creating such a welcoming and warm environment.”

Lori P.

“An amazing magical place with freshly made vegan food, spa with Tibetan medicine therapies, swimming pool, vast greenery, and mountain water. They invite the best teachers from around the world too!”

Tsu Ching Yu

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