Living Awakeness: Embodying Your Awakening
nonfiction · First published 2026
Author guide
Stephen Snyder Books in Order
Stephen Mugen Snyder began practicing meditation in 1976 and has studied Zen, Tibetan, Theravada, and Western nondual traditions. He was authorized to teach in the Theravada tradition in 2007 and in the Soto and Rinzai Zen traditions in 2022. His books focus on Buddhist meditation, awakening, well-being, and stress reduction.
Buddhismmeditationspiritualityself-helpnonfiction
Catalog record updated .
Stephen Snyder's Newest Book
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Demystifying Awakening: A Buddhist Path of Realization, Embodiment, and Freedom
A broad introduction to Snyder’s approach to Buddhist awakening, realization, embodiment, and freedom.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (7)
- Trust in Awakening: A Zen Teaching on Accessing the Absolute
nonfiction · 2022
- Liberating the Self: Buddhist Practices for an Authentic Life
nonfiction · 2025
- Living Awakeness: Embodying Your Awakening
nonfiction · 2026
Frequently asked questions about Stephen Snyder
Who is Stephen Snyder?
Stephen Mugen Snyder is a Buddhist meditation teacher, author, and founder of Awakening Dharma. He has practiced daily meditation since 1976 and teaches through retreats, online programs, and individual coaching.
What was Stephen Snyder’s career before he became a full-time Buddhist teacher?
Snyder worked as a California attorney and civil litigator. He taught Buddhism part-time from 2007 and became a full-time Buddhist teacher in 2015.
Sources: lzta.org (opens in a new tab)awakeningdharma.org (opens in a new tab)
Which Buddhist traditions and teachers shaped Stephen Snyder’s practice?
His practice draws on Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, Theravada, and Western nondual traditions. He was authorized to teach in Theravada by Pa Auk Sayadaw and received Zen transmission from Mark Sando Mininberg in the White Plum lineage.
Sources: awakeningdharma.org (opens in a new tab)lzta.org (opens in a new tab)
What is Stephen Snyder best known for as a meditation teacher?
Snyder is known for teaching deep concentration and jhāna meditation, heart-based practices, and Buddhist approaches to awakening. He presents these teachings through retreats, online groups, and one-on-one guidance.
Sources: lzta.org (opens in a new tab)awakeningdharma.org (opens in a new tab)
How has Stephen Snyder applied meditation beyond traditional retreats?
He has adapted meditation methods for everyday professional life, especially stress reduction among lawyers and other legal professionals. His approach includes relaxation, emotional awareness, attentive listening, and heart-based exercises.
Sources: awakeningdharma.org (opens in a new tab)rickhanson.com (opens in a new tab)