About Walt

Background

Walt Opie has been practicing insight meditation (Vipassana) for over two decades, with a deep commitment to the Theravada Buddhist tradition. His teaching emphasizes the practical application of mindfulness and compassion in daily life, making ancient wisdom accessible to modern practitioners.

Teaching Approach

Walt's teaching style is grounded, practical, and warm. He believes meditation is not about achieving special states or becoming someone different, but about meeting ourselves exactly as we are with kindness and clear seeing. His dharma talks blend traditional Buddhist teachings with contemporary insights, always pointing back to direct experience.

Core Themes

• Mindfulness Practice — Developing present-moment awareness through body, breath, and daily activities
• Working with Difficulty — Meeting challenging emotions and mind states with compassion
• Loving-Kindness (Metta) — Cultivating unconditional goodwill for ourselves and all beings
• The Middle Way — Finding balance between effort and ease in practice
• Integration — Bringing meditation off the cushion into relationships, work, and community

Training & Influences

Walt has studied with senior teachers in the Western insight meditation tradition, including retreats at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and the Insight Meditation Society. His primary influences include:

• Joseph Goldstein — Co-founder of Insight Meditation Society
• Sharon Salzberg — Pioneer of metta (loving-kindness) practice in the West
• Thich Nhat Hanh — Engaged Buddhism and mindfulness in daily life
• Jack Kornfield — Integration of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology

Buddhist Recovery Network

Walt is actively involved with the Buddhist Recovery Network, which integrates Buddhist principles and meditation practice with addiction recovery. This work reflects his belief that the dharma offers profound support for healing and transformation, particularly for those working with addiction and trauma.

Bay Area Sangha

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Walt teaches and practices with several local meditation communities. He believes strongly in the power of sangha (community) to support and deepen practice. His regular groups meet in Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and Marin County.

Teaching Locations

• East Bay Meditation Center (Oakland) — Monthly dharma talks
• Berkeley Insight Meditation Center — Weekly sitting groups
• Spirit Rock Meditation Center (Marin) — Day-long retreats
• SF Insight (San Francisco) — Community gatherings

Philosophy

Walt's approach to teaching is informed by several core beliefs:

• Meditation is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience
• Practice should be joyful and sustainable, not rigid or punishing
• The dharma is found in ordinary life, not just on retreat
• Community and relationship are essential to awakening
• Compassion and wisdom develop together

Beyond Meditation

When not teaching or practicing, Walt enjoys hiking in the Bay Area hills, reading contemporary dharma literature, and connecting with friends in the sangha. He believes that a balanced life — with time for practice, community, nature, and rest — is itself a form of dharma practice.