Sebene Selassie

Sebene Selassie (She/Her) is a teacher, writer, coach and consultant. She began studying Buddhism over 25 years ago as an undergraduate at McGill University where she majored in Comparative Religious Studies. She has an MA from the New School where she focused on race and cultural studies. For over 20 years she worked with children, youth, and families nationally and internationally for small and large social justice and social change programs. Her work has taken her everywhere from the Tenderloin—San Francisco, to East Harlem–NYC, to refugee camps in Guinea–West Africa. She is the former Executive Director of New York Insight Meditation Center and currently serves on the board of Sacred Mountain Sangha. Sebene is passionate about making the dharma accessible and relevant for our times and teaches regularly online, in New York City, nationally, and on the Ten Percent Happier app. Her first book, Born to Belong, will be published by HarperOne in 2020. Sebene is a 3-time cancer survivor and lives in Brooklyn, NY (Lenape Territory) with her husband Frederic and their dog Suki. You can find her at www.sebeneselassie.com.

Upcoming Programs by Sebene Selassie

“Menla is an amazing place to spend time. Delicious healthy food, comfortable bed, beautiful scenery, nature. Of course, some of my favorite teachers were there too… Krishna Das, Sharon Salzberg and climbing to the top Bob Thurman. Thanks to the staff who made it possible to enjoy such an inspiring place on this planet.”

Michael Stoker

“Another world deep within untouched natural beauty of the Catskills. You have to come here to truly experience the sublime healing energy it has.”

Nathaniel H.

“Going to Menla is like dropping out of time. The physical beauty and stillness of the place is unique. The accommodations are just right – comfortable but not ostentatious. The food is amazing and clearly made with attention and love. Thank you!”

Sylvia E.

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