Lama Willa Blythe Baker
Description
About Lama Willa Blythe Baker
Lama Willa Blythe Baker founded Natural Dharma Fellowship in Boston, MA, as well as its retreat center, Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in Springfield, NH.
Lineage and Training
She was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism following twelve years of monastic training and two back-to-back three-year retreats. She has also studied in the Nyingma and Shangpa lineages.
Academic Background
Willa earned her doctorate from Harvard University in 2013 and served as Visiting Lecturer in Buddhist Ministry from 2013 to 2017.
Publications
Willa has written four books:
- The Wakeful Body: Somatic Mindfulness as a Path to Freedom (2021)
- The Arts of Contemplative Care: Pioneering Voices in Buddhist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Work (2012)
- Everyday Dharma: Seven Weeks to Finding the Buddha in You (2009)
- Essence of Ambrosia (2005)
Her articles and translations have been published in Tricycle, Lion's Roar, Buddhadharma, the Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, Tibet Journal, and other periodicals and anthologies.
Professional Affiliations
She serves as contemplative faculty with the Mind and Life Institute, Sangha Live, One Earth Sangha, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, the Omega Institute, and Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. She is also a member of Clark University's Council of the Uncertain Human Future and serves on the advisory board for One Earth Sangha.
Current Work
Today, Willa writes, teaches, leads meditation retreats, and develops curriculum for those seeking to bring a deep meditation practice into everyday life. Her teaching interests include the wisdom of the body, eco-dharma, non-dual awareness, and compassion.