Jon Bernie

Several years ago I attended Jon’s Monday evening meditation groups for about a year. I also saw him for a handful of one on one sessions. I was drawn to him because of his Zen/​Advaita background. He has a gift of being able to help people work through difficult emotions and transitional periods. The Monday night groups begin with about 40 minutes of silent sitting (on chairs) followed by a talk and Q&A. I recommend you already have at least some experience with «just sitting» before attending as there isn’t much basic instruction.

I’ve known Jon Bernie since 1995. My life has changed radically for the better over that time. Think: lifelong depression to joy and gratitude. Think: deep forgiveness and acceptance. Think: letting go effortlessly of long held destructive patterns. Greater peace, ease, happiness. Etc., etc. Jon’s Monday night «classes» are simple, humble and true. With Jon it’s about what’s real, right now, right here. No theories, beliefs or concepts. Jon’s gentle support to be in one’s body in the present moment while he provides an energetic mirror of one’s true nature allows awakening — and incredible healing– to take place. Jon «teaches» you how to get out of your own way and experience pure Being. It’s is not about beliefs. It’s about what works. And this does.

I found Jon Bernie after seeing him listed as one of the people the spiritual teacher Adyashanti has asked to teach. I was also drawn to Jon because of his time spent with several great nondual teachers and Advaita sages, including former students of Ramana Maharshi. Finally, Jon had spent several years as a Zen monk and spent time learning under a qi gong (chi kung) master. You can think of what happens on Monday nights as a meditation class to give you a point of reference, but it is far deeper than that. Although the gatherings are called «satsang» as an homage to influential traditions, there are no religous trappings, just «being with what is» and finding what works with the support of some good people. If you’re looking for someone who can draw from some of the most potent spiritual traditions and techniques without setting himself up as an «authority» over his students, who is not giving his students shiny new «spiritual» egos, and only wants to help people wake up — then you’ve found the right guy.