Teachers

Dr. Nikki Mirghafori

Dr. Mirghafori is a Buddhist teacher and Artificial Intelligence scientist. She is a lineage holder in the Theravada tradition, empowered by the Burmese meditation master Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, with whom she practiced the jhanas and detailed analytical (Abhidhamma-style) vipassana.  She also received empowerment from the Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Insight Meditation Society, Insight Meditation Center, and is a Stanford-trained compassion cultivation instructor.

Additionally, Nikki has been a researcher and inventor in AI, holding multiple patents and co-author of 40+ scientific research articles.  She has directed international research programs as the Principal Investigator, mentored post-docs and PhD students, taught graduate courses at UC Berkeley, and been a scientific advisor to Silicon Valley technology startups.

Nikki serves as a Stewarding Teacher and on the Board of Directors at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA and as a Teacher at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. Nikki is Iranian-American, has taught contemplative practices internationally, and aspires to serve as a champion for wisdom and compassion, as well as ethical AI in our zeitgeist.

Events with Dr. Nikki Mirghafori

Silent Dzogchen Practice Retreat & 2025 Fall Retreat: Being Present to the Moment of Death
September 30 - October 12, 2025

Join Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche at Serenity Ridge for both a silent retreat and the annual Fall Retreat/Dialogues, “Being Present to the Moment of Death” from September 30, 2025 to October 12, 2025. Two nights stay at no charge when registering for both events together. Silent Dzogchen Practice Retreat: September 30–October 5, 2025 Silence is a powerful tool. Sitting in stillness and resting in silence, the mind can grow more calm and our awareness more luminous. Silence helps us to open the heart and let go of the stresses of daily life. It is not always an easy practice, but it is a powerful tool for personal transformation and expanded awareness.  Come join Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche for his first silent retreat in many years! He will support us in finding a deep connection to our inner stillness, silence and spaciousness. This is not a strictly silent retreat. Once per day Rinpoche will provide instruction and there will be opportunities to ask questions about practice, and there will be time for connecting with other retreatants on the last day. The rest of our time in and out of the meditation hall will be spent in noble silence.  We offer free lodging on…

2025 Fall Retreat: Being Present to the Moment of Death
October 7 - 12, 2025

The 2025 Fall Retreat & Serenity Ridge Dialogues with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche & Special Guests For those on a spiritual path, moments of transition provide potent opportunities for self-transformation, and no transition more than the moment of death! Join us in a discovery of spiritual practices that help prepare for the moment of death and that can support others in their time of dying.  Our mornings teachings and practice are with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, who will guide us in the practice of Powa, the transference of consciousness at the moment of death. In the afternoons are talks, conversation and guided practices providing a broad perspective on the process and moment of dying from different perspectives and traditions. Dr. Leslie Blackhall, Dr. Nikki Mirghafori, and Father Francis Tiso are presenters at this year’s Dialogues. One of the defining aspects of this event is the opportunity to join in as our presenters andTenzin Wangyal Rinpoche engage in conversation around topics close to their own hearts and practice, participating in the conversations through active Q&A sessions.  All practices are taught in a way suitable to any level of experience. All are welcome to join!  Schedule Coming soon…

Online 2025 Fall Retreat: Being Present to the Moment of Death
October 7 - 12, 2025

The 2025 Fall Retreat & Serenity Ridge Dialogues with Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche & Special Guests For those on a spiritual path, moments of transition provide potent opportunities for self-transformation, and no transition more than the moment of death! Join us in a discovery of spiritual practices that help prepare for the moment of death and that can support others in their time of dying.  Our mornings teachings and practice are with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, who will guide us in the practice of Powa, the transference of consciousness at the moment of death. In the afternoons are talks, conversation and guided practices providing a broad perspective on the process and moment of dying from different perspectives and traditions. Dr. Leslie Blackhall, Dr. Nikki Mirghafori, and Father Francis Tiso are presenters at this year’s Dialogues. One of the defining aspects of this event is the opportunity to join in as our presenters andTenzin Wangyal Rinpoche engage in conversation around topics close to their own hearts and practice, participating in the conversations through active Q&A sessions.  All practices are taught in a way suitable to any level of experience. All are welcome to join!  Schedule Coming soon…