John Orr is an interfaith teacher, retreat leader, meditator, and chanter. Ordained as a monk in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, John spent eight years in the 1970’s training in Thailand and India. Drawing from an inclusive range of wisdom teachings, John’s work supports individual growth and exploration while deepening awareness of non-duality and how spiritual practices impact our individual and collective lives.

Known for his kind understanding and non-judgmental approach, John has been teaching meditation and leading workshops and retreats around the country since 1980. He is the guiding teacher of the New Hope Sangha based in Durham, North Carolina and is a former teacher at Duke University.

Interested in how nondenominational practices foster self-awareness and community development, John’s work is grounded in the Buddhist practices of Vipassana (Mindfulness) meditation, Non-Dual Awareness and Heart Centered meditations and pulls from religions and spiritual practices from around the world.

Able to offer a global perspective on spiritual development, John’s open-minded approach nurtures and respects the varied faith backgrounds of his students while opening their hearts and minds to new ways of thinking and living. Deeply interested in clarity and helping others find increasing peace and freedom in their lives, John’s classes, workshops, retreats and individual spiritual counseling sessions include hands-on guidance in meditation and chanting as well as discussion groups that support thoughtful investigation and discovery.