Delson Armstrong

Delson began his spiritual journey with Yogic meditation at the age of thirteen. He traveled to India where he studied at an international school for three years and completed his A Levels through the University of Cambridge International Examination center of the British Council. He graduated from the New York Film Academy with a concentration in screenwriting and he began his career by publishing three books on science faction.

He has studied Upanishadic contemplative practices under the lineages of Paramahamsa Ramakrishna, Swami Sivananda, and Swami Chinmayananda.

Delson attained all six-degrees of Kriya Yoga under the lineages of Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar, and Paramahamsa Hariharananda. Through study and application of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, he has attained all ten levels of Samadhi (meditative states of absorption) discribd in the text. He has also practiced Jnana Yoga and Self-Enquiry through the lineages of Ramana Maharishi and Nisargadatta Maharaj, attaining the level of Sahaja Samadhi (effortless absorption) and studied the teachings of J Krishnamurti and UG Krishnamurti.

Delson began practicing TWIM and in 2016 and is now leading residential and Zoom retreats in Asia, Europe, and the US. After retreats he continues to offer support and advise to those who continue on their journey meditating. Recently, he has become associated in formal scientific studies on the affects of meditation and neuroscience, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the phenomenology of meditation. the latest Study is Delson’s abilities to enter a state of cessation of perception, sensation, and consciousness or nirodha samāpatti. See published paper.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079612322001984?dgcid=author#t0010

Dependent Origination Symposium, 5/21/—5/26/23, Mary and Joesph Retreat Center, Los Angeles, California. Top row: Ann Shawhan, Venerable Obhasa, Delson Armstrong, Mark Berger, and Doug Kraft

Delson taught a master course in paticca-samuppada–causes and conditions–as described by the Buddha. The course featured two to three sessions daily along with Q&A with group discussions. Sixteen participants took part in a study of accessing Jhana states while meditating during the testing. Using advanced qEEG equipment, bio, and other technologies, seven scientists/technicians collected data for evaluation. Delson Armstrong, Ann Shawhan, David Johnson, Kristen Jones, Doug Kraft and other volunteer subjects made it possible. see archives :

Online Retreats

Delson's online retreats are designed to introduce people to a simple meditation practice known as Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation, TWIM. The foundation for this meditation is described in the earliest Buddhist texts. This goal is to lean how to let go of the causes of unhappiness and suffering and enjoy life and the potential for contentment.

Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) and Delson Armstrong at the Metta Forest Monastery San Diego, California, Photo 5/19/2023

These retreats are designed so that the meditation practice and study program is integrated into everyday life. Participants are mentored and guided on a daily basis but continue working and live normally while cultivating meditative skills and knowledge that results in wisdom and well being.

Hundreds of people world-wide have discovered that this program answers the question; why meditation is an essential skill that can be an integral part of life. They also learn through observation how to train the mind to become free of habitual unconscious craving. This is a practice to unhook from compulsive emotional reactions and and responsive thoughtfully and with a balanced mind

Meditation is known to relieve stress, lighten life’s load while bringing with it relief mentally and physically.

Beginners will find this program rich in content and results oriented.