The Dharma Student Project

programs for advanced dharma students 

The Dharma Student Project offers programs, taught by Peter Doobinin, in the Theravada Buddhist (Insight Meditation) tradition, designed for experienced, dedicated students who wish to deepen their skill in breath meditation and other areas of dharma practice.


The Dharma Student Project offers experienced meditators an opportunity to participate in "training modules" in effort to advance their practice. 



​Eight-Week Training Module in Mindfulness of Breathing
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Dharma students are encouraged to take the the eight-week training module in mindfulness of breathing.   The module includes nine (9) one-hour meetings during the eight week period - via Skype or Zoom - with Peter Doobinin.  In these meetings, Peter gives instructions for developing the skill of breath meditation.  The teaching entails a step-by-step approach.  As the Buddha noted, a dharma teacher should offer step-by-step instruction.  In each meeting, Peter provides a new set of instructions; the dharma student will practice with the instructions during the ensuing week; and in the following meeting the student will discuss her practice, ask questions, and so forth.  

The development of advanced skill in breath meditation and other areas of the dharma asks that teacher and student share in a close one-to-one relationship.  Each dharma student progresses differently.  Each student possesses certain strengths and weaknesses.  Each student's development in moving forward along the path will be different.  In cultivating advanced skill, an intimate interaction with a teacher is almost always necessary.  For this reason, the Buddha's teaching was based on an apprenticeship model.

Dharma students, learning the steps of breath meditation, will develop the ability to cultivate strong, maintainable concentration.  This quality of concentration, which includes the factors of "jhana," becomes available to us, in all postures, all activities, as we move through our days and nights.  It enables us to live at ease in the world and to take skillful action:  action in support of our wish for true happiness and our wish for others, that they know a true happiness in this life.

In guiding dharma students in developing their practice, Peter Doobinin has learned over the years to meet the needs of students with full lives.  The skills-based, step-by-step approach offered in the breath meditation training module represents what Peter has learned in his many years as a dharma teacher. Teaching primarily in non-retreat settings, in New York City, Peter has learned to teach students to develop strong, maintainable concentration through having a daily sitting practice.  This is a skill that most all students can develop.  What's required is learning the practice, following the basic steps, and, importantly, making wholehearted effort.  

In the eight-week training module, Peter will provide students with weekly notes, delivered via email, as well as suggestions for readings and online dharma teachings.

If you're interested in taking a training module, please contact us at:  dharmastudentproject@gmail.com


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Training Modules in Elements of Dharma Practice

Concentration, the Buddha said, is the heart of the practice.  For this reason, the eight-week module in mindfulness of breathing is the cornerstone of the training given in The Dharma Student Project.  In addition to breath meditation, students may also wish to work with other areas of dharma practice.  Some of the essential practices in which dharma students may wish to develop their skill include:

Four Foundations of Mindfulness
Four Noble Truths
Five Aggregates
Seven Factors for Awakening
Noble Eight-fold Path
Mindfulness of Thinking
Sublime Abidings 


If you're interested in taking a training module, please contact us at:  dharmastudentproject@gmail.com


Customized Training Modules

Dharma students, in consultation with the teacher may decide to "customize" training modules.  There may be specific themes in which students are interested in developing their skill.  Modules can also be customized to be various lengths.

If you're interested in taking a training module, please contact us at:  dharmastudentproject@gmail.com​

New York Dharma Programs

Monday Meditation (in-person)
every Monday
6pm - 7:30pm
NYC
Please send an email to find out more.
The in-person Monday Meditation class is held every Monday night.  The class begins at 6pm.  Please note that students must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19, including having received a booster. The class includes meditation, teaching, and discussion.  Fee is by donation.
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​For more information about New York Dharma in-person programs please visit the website.

​Please let us know if you're interested in the Dharma Student Project!

After an initial consultation, we can decide how you might move forward in taking the eight-week training module in breath meditation or another training program.  

Interested participants will note that because these programs are intensive and offered on a one-to-one basis, there is a limited number of students that Peter will be able to meet with during a given period.

Please email us if you'd like to discuss the training modules and your participation in The Dharma Student Project.​