Hi, my name is Victor Shiryaev. I teach modern evidence-based meditation, traditional buddhist methods, and somatic practices. I write, translate and speak on human wellbeing, contemplative studies and mindfulness-related topics.
Over the years, I taught mindfulness to oil and IT companies, school teachers and psychotherapists, yoga teachers, maritime professionals and parents.
My primary meditation teacher is Shinzen Young, and my current interest lies in early nondual mahayana practices and what they can offer to us, 21-century humans, as well as in social forms of meditation.
I have degrees in sinology and integral theory, a certificate in embodiment facilitation, and spent more than half a year in silent meditation retreats.
I cofounded Mindspot, a mindfulness practice center, and Eros and Kosmos, the integral magazine. Together with Mindspot, I’ve trained more than a hundred mindfulness instructors.
I live in Thailand with my wife and son, and work on two projects: Active Presence and The Marvelous Gates.
Active Presence is where my colleagues and I teach modern meditation and attentional skills in Russian and Ukrainian (English programs coming soon).
And The Marvelous Gates is a place to explore the philosophy and practices of the profound Tiantai school of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism.
Endorsements
Shinzen Young
American meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant
“Victor is a long-time student of mine (since 2009) and an active member of the international community of Unified Mindfulness practitioners. He’s been translating my books and articles into Russian for many years, teaching classes, courses and leading retreats on various aspects of Unified Mindfulness, and is well-known among the russian-speaking practitioners for his clarity, precision and systematic approach — which was why he was drawn to my teaching style almost a decade ago.
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In his professional work he integrates his knowledge of modern mindfulness (both as a scholar and a deep-end practitioner) with developmental psychology, and promotes pragmatic contemplative science-based practices worldwide to relieve human suffering, provide pain relief and help people live a more rich, full and meaningful life. Victor is really doing what needs to be done on this planet.”
Cory Muscara
Host of Mindfulness.com, Bestselling Author of “Stop Missing Your Life”
“I trust Victor's character, practice, and intellect, so it's easy for me to stand by an endorsement of his work. We met 9 years ago both being monks in Myanmar, and I know Victor has never stopped practicing, learning and teaching since then. Any person is lucky to learn from him.”
Vince Fakhoury Horn
Buddhist Geeks
“I think I met my Russian-dopplegänger-dharma-brother in Victor and in doing so have been amazed to discover how much work Victor has already done to help bring deep relational meditation practice to the Russian-speaking world. Keep up the good work Victor!”
Testimonials
Inna Vilenska
Discover Cars CEO, Latvia
“Victor has a real talent for explaining very complicated things. I love how his teaching approach combines a clear and concise structure with flexible adaptation to the needs of each participant. He creates a field in which it is easy to try new things, go deeper and fall in love with silence and peace.
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Victor undoubtedly has tremendous experience and deep knowledge in the topics of awareness, spiritual enlightenment and mindfulness, however, he manifests himself not as a “wise-man”, but rather a humble guide who walks alongside and illuminates the path for himself and others.”
Giacomo Podda
Certified mindfulness, yoga and Italian teacher
“Victor has helped me understand my mind more than anyone else before. It might sound exaggerated, but he really has changed my life. I can say this only of very few people, and he's one of them.”