Pat Coffey, MEd, began his meditation practice over 30 years ago and has taught meditation since 1996. He studied with numerous Asian and Western teachers in the Theravada, Tibetan and Zen traditions. Pat is the founder of IMCC and the co-founder of the Blue Ridge Prison Project. Pat was selected and trained as a meditation teacher in the joint teacher training program of The Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts and Spirit Rock Meditation Center under the tutelage of Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein. Down-to-earth real world practical dharma is the hallmark of his teaching. The father of two children, owner of several businesses and the holder of several patents, he draws on his varied and rich life experience to articulate the dharma.
Bridging separation is the activity necessary for the survival of our species and the biosphere. Buddhism encourages us to find ways to bridge our internal fragmentation AND bridge all external divides. How can we resist vigorously those we deem involved in causing harm yet not put them out of our hearts? How can we utilize the skills of our practice to bridge the separation we feel with others not like us.
