Gary Sanders
Teacher
Gary Sanders is a seasoned meditation teacher, dhamma guide, and sobriety coach who has spent decades sharing the transformative power of Buddhist practice across North America. Founder of SCV Mindfulness, Heavy Metta PDX, Boundless Heart, and other communities, Gary’s teaching is dedicated to fostering accessibility and inclusion in the dhamma.
He was a founding member of Refuge Recovery, the Buddhist-based program supporting healing from all forms of addiction that has since spread worldwide.
Authorized to lead Buddhist meditation groups at Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society in Los Angeles, Gary later joined the Teachers Council at Portland Insight Meditation Community, where he was honored to be empowered to teach in the lineage of Ruth Denison. His practice is rooted in the heart-based teachings of the Buddha and integrates Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation into a grounded, contemporary approach to mindfulness.
Gary shares his teachings through ongoing class series, dhamma groups, daylongs, retreats, and one-on-one sessions—both in person and online. His compassionate presence, humor, and authenticity create learning spaces that are both welcoming and transformative.
A frequent contributor to The Tattooed Buddha and the Buddhist Recovery Network, Gary continues to produce meditation videos and writings that bring ancient wisdom into modern life – helping others cultivate mindfulness, insight, and freedom with a boundless heart.
