Earle Birney

Earle started his studies with Geshe Michael Roach 20 years ago, and over that period of time completed the 18-course ACI Foundation series and the 10-course Yoga Studies Institute program, as well as other in-depth training. In addition, he spent many years learning the Diamond Cutter system.

As one of the original pioneers at Diamond Mountain Retreat Center, Earle taught yoga, philosophy, and meditation, and served on its board and many of its committees, before starting his three-year silent retreat in 2011. He successfully completed the retreat in 2014.

Earle has pursued a degree in program planning, with over two decades of work designing, developing, and implementing programs.  He opened two youth centers and a youth-run cafe for underprivileged youth, developed leadership and day programs for at-risk and adjudicated youth, and led numerous youth retreats. 

Earle has been teaching ACI courses since 2004. He produced ACI retreats for many years, as well as producing meditation and yoga retreats in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.  Earle currently co-directs the Become a Grand Master youth leadership program, and helps run Three Jewels Enlightenment Studio in New York City, where he lives.