TWIN CITIES – Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, a rising star among the new generation of Tibetan Buddhist teachers, will visit the Twin Cities in mid-April to share his extensive meditation expertise and interest in Western neuroscience, quantum physics and psychology. He is the author of the 2007 New York Times bestseller The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness.
“Mingyur Rinpoche’s visit to the Twin Cities is significant,” said Cortland Dahl, executive director of the Rimé Foundation, one of co-sponsors of the visit. “Having worked with some of the world’s leading scientists, psychologists and philosophers, he is able to discuss meditation in terms that we understand and to which we can relate. He has expressed interest in visiting the Twin Cities regularly in the future to provide ongoing guidance to those interested in learning more about meditation.”
Other co-sponsors of the visit are the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality & Healing, Allina Hospitals & Clinics, and the Shambhala Meditation Center.
While the practice of meditation stretches back thousands of years to ancient spiritual traditions, it has gained both secular and scientific attention in recent decades. A December 2008 U.S. News & World Report article, for example, touts meditation’s benefits in managing stress and dealing with anxiety, while a 2009 Emory University study reports the positive effects of meditation on human physiology, especially on the body’s ability to react less negatively to psychological and social stress.
While in the Twin Cities, Mingyur Rinpoche will provide practical advice on how ancient Tibetan contemplative practices can be used to deal with the challenges of modern life. The techniques he will teach are designed to enhance tranquility, happiness, and compassion and to allow the meditator to work constructively with powerful emotions and deeply ingrained habits.
“In three distinct events for health care professionals as well as consumers, Rinpoche will share his exceptional expertise of meditation practice, weaving together the principles of Tibetan Buddhism and neuroscience,” said Center for Spirituality & Healing Director Mary Jo Kreitzer. “These events represent something for everyone, so we encourage seasoned practitioners and those interested in meditation to come and share in Rinpoche’s wisdom.”
Schedule of Events
The first of these events will be a meditation workshop for health care professionals – “Understanding Meditation in Healthcare Begins with You” – from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the Campus Club, Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus. The cost is $65 and includes a continental breakfast and a copy of the speaker’s book.
Mingyur Rinpoche will hold a public discussion entitled “The Joy of Living: Meditation as a Path to Happiness” on from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the Mayo Memorial Auditorium, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus. The cost is $35 and includes a copy of the speaker’s book.
Mingyur Rinpoche will also lead a three-day public seminar entitled “The Heart of Meditation,” during which he will instruct participants in the practice of tranquility meditation and mindfulness. This retreat will be fromm 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, April 17-19, at Bayview Event Center in Excelsior, MN. The cost is $175 for the seminar ($36 for lunch all three days).
To register for any of these events go to www.tickets.umn.edu and click on the Center for Spirituality & Healing logo. For more information, visit www.csh.umn.edu or call 612.624.9459.
