In this episode, Rev. Shōren Heather engages in an in-depth conversation with Vinny Ferraro, a teacher of insight meditation and the guiding teacher of Big Heart City, a San Francisco based community rooted in the teachings of the Buddha. Vinny shares his journey from growing up in a crime-involved family in Brooklyn to turning his life around after a troubled youth marked by his father's incarcerations and addictions, his mother’s death when he was a teenager, and his own struggles with drugs.
Vinny discusses the pivotal moments that led him to leave New York City and relocate to Santa Cruz where he began practicing Buddhism. He also reflects on how he found solace and purpose in Buddhism and recovery programs and the impact of his teachings and work with incarcerated individuals. Through anecdotes of personal redemption and his ongoing efforts with Big Heart City Meditation and the Mind Body Awareness Project, and Vinny's story underscores the enduring power of transformation and service.
Vinny Ferraro is the founder and guiding teacher of Big Heart City, where he brings a grounded, heart-centered approach to meditation. Vinny’s teachings are infused with authenticity, humor, and heartfelt insight, making ancient wisdom feel accessible and relevant. He is a fully empowered teacher through the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock where he teaches the Year to Live course.
Prior to founding Big Heart City, Vinny was the co-founder of Dharma Punx and has led a weekly sitting group for 20+ years. He was the training director of Challenge Day, a senior trainer at Mindful Schools, and a teacher at Mind Body Awareness Project. His extensive real-world experience includes working with incarcerated people and at-risk youth.
His sessions at Big Heart City blend meditation, Dharma talks, and Q&A, encouraging students to show up authentically and embrace their own basic goodness. That means you, too.
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