Invitation to the course from Jude Star (8 min)
Immerse yourself in an embodied odyssey
This course will give you a crash course in a wide spectrum of meditative techniques through an integrative and comparative lens.
My goal is to help you understand the essence of each and in turn better grasp meditation and its dynamic yet complementary philosophies better as a whole.
While each category encompasses countless traditions and practices that could be explored for lifetimes, I've distilled the core themes and techniques to convey the essence of each.
Shamatha (Calm Abiding) - Explore a variety of techniques to cultivate relaxed focus, inner peace, and deep states of absorption (Jhanas).
Vipassana (Insight Meditation) - Learn how to observe sensory experience in a way that leads to insight, deconstructing and liberating mental projection and habituated patterns.
Tantra - Explore the rich inclusive philosophy of Tantra and its energy cultivating practices, using imagination to bridge into more embodied and awakened states of being.
Non-Dual (Direct Path) - Explore a variety of practices from different traditions that take you beyond conventional mind and point to the timeless, undivided and ultimate nature of Self and World.
This course is tailored to help you discover the meditation practices that resonate with you personally, providing tools to assess your progress and deepen your practice.
Each session will also explore Metta or Loving-Kindness (cultivating compassion and good will) in congruence with that style of practice.
Once you better understand the landscape of meditation and the mechanisms of transformation, you can orient your practice to suit your unique goals and stylistic preferences.
Whether seeking pragmatic tools or philosophical profundity, this comprehensive journey gives you a solid foundation setting you up for a lifetime of inner exploration.
What others are saying
Good for newcomers and experienced meditators
Al Brown
This has introduced me to a deeper, more diverse ocean of meditation practices. I feel like I am swimming with greater confidence and freedom! I am challenging and changing my meditation practice each day. I feel free to experiment with new techniques and approaches.
The idea that stuck with me the most is that I am the leading authority on how to practice my meditation. That I am the person best equipped to determine the best path to my goals.
Fun and enlightening
Andrea R
You will learn a ton about meditation and how it can be fun, personal, and creative. You will not be disappointed! I left grounded, happier, and more confident, with a sense of well-being and connectedness. I'm allowing myself to move through life more slowly and be present in everything I do
A sense of community
Tom
I got to see a little bit of other people's experience and feel a bit more sense of community, which has been lacking in my meditation life.
Explore, Discuss, and Practice Meditation in a Fully Integrated Learning Space
Comparative Meditation is not just a course—it’s an ongoing exploration of meditation traditions, blending self-paced learning, community discussion, and live practice. Whether you’re diving deep into specific traditions or just beginning your journey, this course meets you where you are.
A Braided Learning Experience: How It Works
Enrol to instantly access an extensive library of video lectures, guided exercises, and curated resource materials covering key meditation traditions, including Shamatha, Vipassana, Tantra, and Non-Duality. (Full breakdown of lessons available here.)
💬 Community Discussion Space (Open to All)
Join the Comparative Meditation Discussion Space, where you can share your practice, ask questions, and exchange insights with others. Jude Star moderates the space, offering guidance and responding to discussions. You can engage here before purchasing the course to get a feel for the experience.
📅 Live Practice Sessions (Ticketed, Free for Course Enrollees)
Jude hosts semi-regular live practice gatherings where we practice together, discuss, and refine techniques in real-time. These sessions are available for purchase individually but are included free if you’re enrolled in the course.
Want to join a live session? Keep an eye on the Grokkist Network Events Calendar and Grokkist Newsletter to see upcoming workshops and practice gatherings.
Is this for me?
The Comparative Meditation Course offers something for everyone, whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your existing practice.
Whether you're seeking pragmatic tools, or philosophical profundity, this comprehensive journey gives you a solid foundation setting you up for a lifetime of inner exploration.
We welcome curious, non-traditional and neurodivergent learners seeking inspiration, knowledge, and a fun time, who want to make sense of the ideas swirling around in their heads, gain confidence in how to move forward, or unlock a new level of understanding.
Our playful approach to serious self-exploration combines intellectual depth with emotional intelligence and is sure to provide you with an enriching and thought-provoking experience.
The course is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of your age, background or experience. No pre-existing knowledge is necessary; just come as you are.
All you need to bring is your attention, digital presence, and a smile.
Why take this course?
The Comparative Meditation course is:
- Experiential - You will learn how to practice a wide variety of techniques
- Philosophical - Exploring the core philosophies of the most established and transformative traditions
- Pragmatic - Helping you find the practices that work for you and give you criteria to measure progress
- Comparative - Understand distinct paths by contrasting their similarities and differences
- Comprehensive - Giving you everything you need to start practicing
Deepen your understanding with the Meditation Primer Series
To complement your journey in the Comparative Meditation course, we recommend exploring the Meditation Primer series authored by Jude Star.
This three-part series delves into the core philosophies and practices of the meditation traditions covered in the course:
Jude Star
Jude Star
Jude Star
My journey with meditation
I came to meditation with an insatiable curiosity and yearning to understand the deep wisdom that I could sense was at the heart of these traditions.
Although I studied formally and read Buddhist and other spiritual books ferociously, meditation really started to click for me when I started looking at it through a comparative lens.
When I started studying this stuff in my early 20s the advice I always got was “choose one path and stick with it”.
So I chose the path of Tibetan Buddhism and studied formally for a year before realizing it wasn’t the right path for me, at least not at that time.
It wasn’t until a decade ago that I encountered the work of Shinzen Young — a brilliant teacher who had studied in a variety of traditions and created his own comprehensive framework for practice — that I really started to understand and also practice meditation and mindfulness in a whole new way.
You can find out more about my path of study and my journey in the article and video below:
Jude Star
