Buddha Shakyamuni’s path from prince to teacher illuminates the essence of Tibetan Buddhist practice: understanding suffering and nurturing human potential. His transformative journey, sparked by real-world encounters with illness, aging and death, led him to seek inner wisdom and compassion—a legacy that continues 2,600 years later.

Jewel Heart, a Tibetan Buddhist learning center, carries that legacy into the modern age. Founded in 1988 by the revered Gelek Rimpoche, the organization offers teachings that blend ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance. In 2008, His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated its Ann Arbor base, recognizing Jewel Heart’s role in preserving authentic Tibetan Buddhism in the West.

Gelek Rimpoche’s extensive archive, now freely accessible at GelekRimpoche.org, represents one of the largest English collections of teachings by a Tibetan master. His successor, His Eminence Demo Rinpoche, guides the community with a rare blend of rigorous traditional training and interfaith academic study. He holds the highest monastic degree, Geshe Lharampa, and a master’s in inter-religious engagement.

Jewel Heart welcomes all levels of interest—from beginner meditations and community programs to advanced vajrayana studies. Their inclusive, global approach is supported by visiting teachers from India, Europe and North America.

With both local and virtual offerings, Jewel Heart invites individuals to cultivate inner peace and compassionate action in everyday life.

Location: 1129 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor. For more information, call 734-994-3387 or visit JewelHeart.org.

Upcoming Events and Ongoing Opportunities

Explore programs that foster compassion, clarity and connection. Whether beginning a journey or deepening a practice, Jewel Heart offers a wide range of opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.

Featured Events:

·          Love, Attachment & Freeing the Relational Self

·          How to Respect & Love Yourself

·          Never-ending Lamp of Liberation

·          Pilgrimage to Nepal

·         Ongoing Offerings:

·          Join free weekly programs, including Sundays’ White Tara Guided Healing Meditation and public talks by Demo Rinpoche, at JewelHeart.org/Free-Weekly-Virtual-Programs.

·          Browse all current and upcoming programs or subscribe to the newsletter at JewelHeart.org.

·          Watch videos on YouTube.com/c/jewelheartchannel, connect via Facebook.com/JewelHeartAnnArbor and follow on Instagram.com/JewelHeartInternational.

·          Enjoy programs and extracurricular activities at JewelHeart.org/Chapters/Ann-Arbor or participate in programs at JewelHeart.org/Chapters/Bloomfield-Hills.