Teachers: Toni Packer

"The emergence and blossoming of understanding, love and intelligence has nothing to do with any tradition, no matter how ancient or impressive — it has nothing to do with time. It happens completely on its own when a human being questions, wonders, listens and looks without getting stuck in fear, pleasure and pain. When self concern is quiet, in abeyance, heaven and earth are open. The mystery, the essence of all life is not separate from the silent openness of simple listening." — Toni Packer

Toni Packer is involved in exploring how thought constructs images of self and other, how authority is created, how separation and conflict come into being, and what happens when there is awareness and insight. Born in Germany, Toni has lived most of her adult life in western New York. She has led retreats since 1976.

For many years she led retreats in Europe and California but now concentrates her efforts at Springwater Center. She is the author of five books, including The Work of This Moment, The Light of Discovery, and The Wonder of Presence. Shambhala Publications released her new book, The Silent Question: Meditating in the Stillness of Not-Knowing in 2007. Toni makes no special claim to authority. Her approach is at once simple, radical and ordinary. She is open to meet with those who wish to work with her.