About the Teacher

In 2008 David was ordained as a Ngakpa, a meditation practitioner of love, compassion, and wisdom, within the Drikung Kagyu Lineage of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. David has also received many Vajrayana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen teachings from within the Rime, Nyingma, and Kagyu, traditions of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. David has also a background in the Jewish, Sufi, and Christian traditions. 

David’s vision is to share teachings which liberate suffering, and increase peace and resiliency. These teachings are offered in a form accessible to those coming from different backgrounds. In other words, you don’t need to consider yourself a Buddhist to deeply benefit from these adapted practices. However, those who are practicing in the Buddhist framework can also benefit deeply.

Techniques introduced in these workshops have also been inspired by many teachers including Lama John Makransky, co-founder of the Courage of Care Coalition and the Foundation for Active Compassion. Lama John is also an associate professor of the Theology Department at Boston College.

Methods used in the workshops have also been inspired by the great Tibetan master, Tsoknyi Rinpoche as well as many others, please click here: “Unending Gratitude”

Teaching experience:

David has been invited to lead classes as a community leader at the Natural Dharma Fellowship since 2022.

David has also led classes for The Awakening Heart Practice Community since 2021.

He has been invited as a regular guest speaker and teacher at the Jewish temple, Shirat Hayam in Swampscott MA since 2015.

The Buddhist Sangha in Concord MA, Jamtse International, has had David as a regular meditation teacher since 2016.

David taught meditation at the Drikung Meditation Center in Arlington MA from 2005 through 2019.

David also led meditation classes for several years at the Sufi Order International in Boston in the early 1990s. 

In 1984, David completed his undergraduate work at Tufts University and The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

From 1991 through 1995, David studied Sufi meditation and psychotherapy with James Grant at the Theravision Institute in Boston.

Testimonials:

David Tucker has all the characteristics an inspiring meditation teacher ought to have. Besides his prodigious knowledge of Buddhist practices and Dharma, he conveys his kindness, compassion, insight, humility, and dedication — all with just the right touch of his wry humor.

Over the years David and I have known each other, I have benefited not only from our many discussions, but also from several specific teachings and practices that were spot on for my needs at that moment, and that have I have passed on to my therapy clients, paying his generosity forward.

I'm pleased that he is now spreading his wisdom and talent to a larger audience.

— David J. Bookbinder, LMHC - Author of "The Art of Balance, Staying Sane in an Insane World" and "Paths to Wholeness, Fifty-Two Flower Mandalas"

 

David is a deep and sensitive teacher whose insights and wisdom bring unseen truths and perspectives to the fore of my consciousness. - Rabbi Michael Ragozin

— Rabbi Michael Ragozin - Congregation Shirat Hayam, Swampscott MA.

 

David Tucker is a gifted meditation teacher. With compassion and an open heart, he offers a multitude of meditation techniques, providing experiences for the beginner and advanced meditator alike.

 David generously shares his years of meditation experience with teachers, parents, therapists - anyone interested in learning this most useful method of personal growth. He engages with each student with wisdom, compassion, and humor. I cannot recommend David Tucker more highly.

— Robert Sills, PhD. - Psychotherapist in private practice

David is a phenomenal Dharma/meditation teacher and has impacted my life in a transformational way. He facilitates an ease for us to understand sometimes abstract concepts through his clear, humorous, and humble approach. He also brings us to grounding, reflection, and awareness effectively with his techniques. I recommend him highly for leading any mindfulness and meditation group! 

— Ingrid Pabon - Student at the Drikung Meditation Center, and Program Coordinator for Office of the Arts, Brandeis University