Award-winning author Dean Sluyter (pronounced “slighter”) has taught Natural Meditation since 1970. He gives talks and workshops throughout the United States, from Ivy League colleges to maximum-security prisons. His media appearances have included National Public Radio, Oprah & Friends Radio, Coast to Coast AM, The New York Times, and USA Today. His six critically acclaimed books include the Nautilus Award winners Natural Meditation and The Dharma Bum’s Guide to Western Literature.
A grateful student of sages in several traditions, Dean has completed numerous pilgrimages and retreats in Asia and the West. His free meditation sessions on Zoom have attracted an enthusiastic international following. Dean is known for his relaxed, accessible, down-to-earth style and his message that anyone can meditate.
In 2026 Dean accepted a position as Director of Contemplative Practice for T.O.P. Elite Care, which offers a full, integrated range of proactive and preventative care, including wellness, psychotherapy, trauma treatment, and addiction intervention and recovery.
Dean lived in New Jersey for thirty-three years, where he developed the Literature of Enlightenment program at The Pingry School and volunteered as a dharma chaplain in the state prison system. In 2010 he moved to Santa Monica, California, where he is a contributing writer to Tricycle: The Buddhist Review and sings in several ensembles — gospel, choral, opera, and Threshold Choir (for dying people). Dean is married to documentary filmmaker Yaffa Lerea and happily zips around town on his Vespa.
To Book Dean for Your Next Event
► Please contact deansluyter@gmail.com.
► For more information, view downloadable speaker information sheet.
Testimonials
“The laid-back, down-to-earth approach made meditation appealing and easy, even for complete novices. Dean’s presentation was of tremendous value in supporting our view of meditation’s benefits for our associates, both personal and professional.”
– Haley Akin, Senior Health & Wellness Specialist, Garmin International
“We’re most grateful for what you offered. The guests soaked it up and loved your natural, genuine style. We’re elated you could come and look forward to a future visit.”
– Tom Jacobs, Director, Timber Creek Retreat House
“Dean speaks with clarity and ease from his own years of experience with meditation, so students are naturally engaged. He made a connection with everyone in the room – from seasoned yogis to my skeptical 70-year-old mother!”
– Jamie Rye, owner, One Tree Yoga, Omaha
“Dean’s methodology is simple and easy to grasp. He is practical in his teachings and is a presenter who is easy to warm up to.”
– José Falla, Education Officer, Young Presidents’ Organization
“You made killers peaceful.”
– A.C., Northern State Prison, Newark, NJ
Dean in Action
In this lively talk, Dean discusses natural meditation, his book Fear Less, and some quick methods for addressing everyday challenges.
Books
“Sluyter is in the grand tradition of authors who interpret traditional enlightenment teachings and apply them to modern Western life, with a rare combination of insight, clarity, wit, and pragmatic common sense.”
– LA Yoga
► Learn more about Dean’s books.