The John Main Seminar 2026 (17-20 September) brought together 100 participants at American University in Washington, DC, with another 200 joining online.
Led by Tim Shriver, in conversation with Mariann Budde, Ray Dalio, Tia Norman and Laurence Freeman, the event offered a space for silence, reflection, meditation and community.
Here, we share some reflections from participants.
Juliet Altham, USA
“I think meditation helps you feel more grounded, more present to God. And if you sense your own self as the image of God, then it’s easier not to be so defensive when you’re faced with another person. You can feel a connection with them and see the sacredness in them.
“They say you have to love yourself in order to love others, and I think that’s what it’s about. But you love yourself in God.”
Xiao, China
“This is just the second time I’ve joined the John Main Seminar. The first time was in Hong Kong in 2013. So, after 13 years, this time for me really felt like a reunion with family members.
“And I met new friends, of course. They are so eager to meditate, to know themselves, to find the meaning of life and to help heal this breach in the whole world.
“I really found this a touching moment: to meet so many people seriously thinking about the future of the world today.”
Rita Cabassa-Guimarães, Brazil
“It was a very unique experience. I would really recommend that everybody have this experience.
“It is a way to reconnect with our genuine selves through meditation and through community. I feel very blessed to have become part of the community.
“It’s my first time, and it will be just the beginning of a long journey.”
