The Science of Enlightenment Online Course
Registration now open! See below
If you don't already know, much of what I (Toby) present in Brightmind is based on an approach to meditation developed by Shinzen Young. Shinzen’s book is the perfect addition to Brightmind, adding helpful background, inspiration, and entertaining stories. If you like Brightmind, you'll love The Science of Enlightenment.
I’ve had the honor of working closely with Shinzen for the past fifteen years, and I know his system inside and out. I’m uniquely suited to help you understand, contextualize, and even critique the book’s ideas. Moreover, through guided meditations in each class, I’ll help you experience the book’s insights directly in your practice (as opposed to just understanding them in theory).
The course includes Ask Me Anythings with Shinzen himself, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask your deepest questions directly to the source. During the AMAs and the other weekly gatherings, many folks’ favorite part is hearing other students’ experiences and questions.
This is a special opportunity to deepen your practice with the support of expert guides and a dedicated community.
Here are the basic components of the course:
Meet once a week for 1.5 hours to discuss a chapter of the book (I'll summarize the material, host a Q&A, and then I’ll guide a meditation that directly explores what was discussed in the chapter)
2 live Ask Me Anythings with the one and only Shinzen Young
Separate weekly 30 min breakout groups to discuss your practice and the book with 3 or 4 fellow students
Total of 30 sessions
Access to 5 daily group sits
Dedicated group chat for sharing reflections
Classes are held on Wednesdays at 5pm, LA / 8pm, NYC / 2am, Paris / 10am, Sydney (Paris & Sydney times are actually the following day–Thursday)
Classes begin November 5th, 2025
Shinzen Young, author of The Science of Enlightenment
“The guided meditations helped me not only understand the topics, but experience them. ”
“Toby’s candid takes were always insightful and sometimes hilarious!”
“The lectures expanded on the ideas and added fascinating context. ”
“I loved listening to others ask questions and share their experience.”
About Your Guide, Toby Sola
Toby Sola is dedicated to helping you create a feedback loop between your meditation practice and your ability to make the world a better place. So the more you meditate, the more effective you are in the world. And the more effective you are, the deeper your meditation practice becomes.
Toby has been teaching meditation for two decades. His craft as a teacher has been refined through years of monastic training and close collaboration with the world-renowned teacher Shinzen Young. Toby is an award-winning designer and the founder of Brightmind.
Spotify Playlist: Toby’s Tunes