Diane Berger began practicing Tibetan Buddhism in 1989, receiving teachings and empowerments from many of the great lamas of our time, including HH Dilgo Khyentse, Dodrupchen Rinpoche, Thinley Norbu, Sogyal Rinpoche, and others. In 1997 Diane brought Dza Kilung Rinpoche from Asia to the west, where they began the Kilung Foundation and Pema Kilaya sangha in Seattle.

After 15 years working closely and studying with Kilung Rinpoche, she embarked on traditional solo retreat, completing four and a half years. Residing in her native Pacific Northwest, she has been teaching meditation and Buddhism while working on a memoir about her long retreat. The book, Small Boat, Vast Ocean: My Years in Solitary Buddhist Retreat, was published March 1, 2023. A separate website dedicated to the book can be found here.

Diane is available for individual consultations regarding Buddhist practice and related issues, on a donation basis. Contact her for an appointment.

Reviews and Comments

“Your depth of experience is evident (with both meditation practice and teaching) and so your way of presenting has a lovely, relaxed and accessible feel to it.”
— Barbara B.

“Diane is an excellent teacher with a thorough grasp of Buddhist history, theory and practice. Her teaching style is warm and accepting. She has a unique ability to communicate with a group of individuals who come with a wide variety of experience without boring or confusing any of them. I have taken a number of her classes and have enjoyed and learned from each one.”
— Ruth Y.

“Diane is a respected and accomplished teacher. I’ve learned much and had wonderful meditation experiences sitting with her.”
— Brent N.