Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is recognized tulku (reincarnate lama) of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, a teacher, spiritual leader and best selling author. He possesses a rare ability to present the ancient wisdom of Tibet in a fresh, engaging manner. His profound yet accessible teachings and playful sense of humor have endeared him to students around the world. Uniquely, Rinpoche’s teachings weave together his own personal experiences with modern scientific research, as they relate to the practice of meditation.

As a child, Mingyur Rinpoche saw his father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, teaching people from a great diversity of religious and secular backgrounds. Inspired by his father’s nonsectarian approach, he became very curious about what teachings and methods would be of greatest benefit to people from other cultures and backgrounds, and discussed these questions with some of his teachers, particularly his father and Saljey Rinpoche, his retreat master at Sherab Ling. He learned that there is a long tradition (dating back to ancient India) of teaching the essence of Buddhist philosophy meditation practices, such as mindfulness meditation and practices to develop loving-kindness and compassion, in an experiential manner that can easily be adapted for those who are interested from other faiths and cultural backgrounds.

Mingyur Rinpoche has authored several books including two best-sellers: The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness, and In Love with the World: A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying. Both of these books have been translated into over 20 languages. His recent TED Talk is entitled How to tap into your awareness -- and why meditation is easier than you think.