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The Palmo Center for Peace and Education, a non-profit organization, provides a welcoming environment where people of all faiths, cultures, political affiliations, and social orientations can thrive
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Recent News
For information and/or registration for teachings, classes, retreats, symposia, public talks, and other events, click on EVENTS button below.
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In response to the very sad and tragic invasion of Ukraine, our spiritual director Jigme Rinpoche led a meditation and group prayers last Sunday via zoom. During that period Rinpoche recommended that we recite the mantra of Taras, Guru Rinpoche and Chenrezig as many times as possible. Please pray that may this terrible situation be resolved swiftly, and that lasting peace and harmony may be restored.
His Holiness Dalia lama sends his prayers and express his deep concern. “ I have been deeply saddened by the conflict in Ukraine. Our world has become so interdependent that violent conflict between two countries inevitably impacts the rest of the world. War is out-dated – non-violence is the only way. We need to develop a sense of the oneness of humanity by considering other human beings as brothers and sisters”.
His Holiness Dalia lama sends his prayers and express his deep concern. “ I have been deeply saddened by the conflict in Ukraine. Our world has become so interdependent that violent conflict between two countries inevitably impacts the rest of the world. War is out-dated – non-violence is the only way. We need to develop a sense of the oneness of humanity by considering other human beings as brothers and sisters”.
End of Year Reflections
New Year’s Greetings As we come close to the end of another year, we reflect on its many challenges, opportunities and joys. We are grateful to all those brave people, especially the frontline workers, teachers, healthcare workers and so many like them, who have tirelessly devoted themselves to the wellbeing and safety of others. Amongst our sangha, we have observed that many practitioners were able to use this year’s experience to deepen their practice, study the dharma more diligently, and take to heart its true essence and meaning. We were fortunate that our peerless precious teacher Jigme Thrinley Rinpoche continued to offer online teachings every Sunday on the important work of Arya Nagarjuna’s text “A Letter to a Friend” as well as frequent weekend retreats on different subjects including Deity Yogas, Ngondro and Lojong. He also was available for one on one counseling sessions if requested. In spite of the pandemic, at the request of the Swiss students, Rinpoche successfully completed his annual European teaching tour. Upon his return to Nepal, he continued the process of acquiring the land in Namo Buddha for an international retreat center. We are learning to recognize and be grateful for Rinpoche’s tireless generosity which manifests in his many compassionate activities. We continue to be guided by his broad vision and are grateful for his hard work of guiding and supporting all of us on the path to awakening, especially in the midst of the outer difficulties of the pandemic. As we all enter the new year together, may everyone become a true embodiment of Dharma in action, which is the source of courage, wisdom, joy and peace of mind within yourself, your family, and the world. In this spirit of celebration, we all joyfully join in the aspiration that may Rinpoche have a long life and may his Dharma activities for the benefit of beings, come into fruition. Jigme Rinpoche, Ngalo Rinpoche, and the Palmo Center Team send you prayers and very best wishes for 2022. The Palmo Center Team 
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A Message from Our Founder and Director Jigme Rinpoche I would like to thank all friends and contributing members for your continued support in my humble aspiration to fulfill the vision and mission of His Holiness Dalai Lama’s commitment for a harmonious, peaceful and compassionate world. I want to acknowledge and thuk je che to all the volunteers, especially for administrative and organizational work. I must express my joy and appreciation to our Compassion in Action team for delivering food boxes to the wider community. I thank the members of our study groups and the Wednesday night meditation group. We hope these new avenues of study and teaching will continue to benefit many people for a long time to come. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Swiss sangha for organizing the European Tour and I send a special thank you to the hosts of the various dharma centers who welcomed me so graciously. I look forward to returning next year. My heartfelt thank you to our Sangha members for reaching out to help and support one another throughout this year. Many of you, through your kindness and friendship, have come forward when other Sangha members needed help. During this time, there were many who were alone, who were not able to see their friends and family. In spite of difficult times, it was wonderful to see your trust, devotion and commitment. It proved to us that dharma works and that a strong dharma community can thrive in the face of such adversity. Once again I rejoice in all merit accrued from this collective good and send my prayers and best wishes that each and every one of you has a wonderful new year filled with peace, happiness and most of all good health. May Buddhas and Boddhisattvas continue to shower their blessings. May 2022 be a kinder gentler and safer year for the entire world. 
Top left photo: View from retreat Land in Namo Buddha, Nepal
Top right photos: Rinpoche teaching in Switzerland. Altar in Swiss teaching hall Bottom photos: Retreat Land in Namo Buddha, Nepal |
"We can never make peace in the outer world until we make peace within ourselves. This center will be a non-sectarian educational institution, dedicated to the promotion of universal values. I look forward to the fruition of this noble goal."
- The Dalai Lama
Rinpoche in Switzerland
At the request of some of Rinpoche’s Swiss students, he travelled to Switzerland for his annual European teaching tour. Originally it was planned to include several European countries but this was shortened due to Covid. Nevertheless, we rejoice in this collective good karma and merit of bonding between receptive students and friends, as it played out in his Five-part tour in Switzerland.
At the request of some of Rinpoche’s Swiss students, he travelled to Switzerland for his annual European teaching tour. Originally it was planned to include several European countries but this was shortened due to Covid. Nevertheless, we rejoice in this collective good karma and merit of bonding between receptive students and friends, as it played out in his Five-part tour in Switzerland.
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Rinpoche taught in St Gallen’s in 2019. This time he drew a much bigger audience. A number of Christians were in the audience, as well as doctors, therapists and other enthusiastic and curious listeners who gave their undivided attention to hear the precious Dharma.
Rinpoche explored the topic of love by examining what love is, its historic backdrop and how we mistake a confused love that is mixed with attachment and self-focus, for love in its higher sense. Rinpoche outlined the polarity of selfish and non-selfish love and then introduced a third more sublime form of love that transcends this polarity and arises from genuine caring. Rinpoche emphasized, that this highest form of love is only attainable when one engages in a regular meditative practice. The audience was visibly moved and inspired. |
Open Church - St Gallen, Switzerland
3. November 2021 Love and Relationship from a Buddhist Perspective 
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Stifung Kronbühl - Witttenbach, Switzerland
4. November 2021 How to Transform Obstacles into Opportunities 
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This teaching took place at an institution for mentally and physically challenged children and adults near St Gallen. It was reserved for the staff of the institution and the parents of the children. In spite of Covid restrictions it was a full house.
Rinpoche introduced how the expectations we hold are often not met because they are rooted in our misconception of reality. He gently outlined how we would do so much better if we faced life by being honest with ourselves and accepting the bright and dark aspects of who and what we are. He said that calling something or someone “a problem” is a choice that limits our perspective and hence our growth. The audience was visibly touched by Rinpoche’s presence and his skillful communication in addressing the needs of a Western mind. Following long applause, many individuals reached out to Rinpoche personally. One woman approached with tears in her eyes asking for advice. Rinpoche consoled her with compassion and applied the key points of his talk to her situation. The director looks forward to repeating this event in future years and will also recommend it to other similar institutions. |
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Lhagsam (FMPT branch) - Zurich, Switzerland
9. November, 2021 How to Deal with Depression 
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This teaching was held at a local Dharma Center. Rinpoche accordingly went with vigor into the topic of depression and how to deal with it. The room was full to capacity and the audience was a mix of more experienced practitioners as well as people new to Buddhism. All were joyfully receptive and interactive.
Rinpoche observed that extreme depression seems to be a modern phenomenon. Amongst the many causes, Rinpoche cited the inherent critical and fault finding mind, along with excessive greed. The nature of Samsara alone can lead to depressive outlooks. Rinpoche then insightfully, humorously and with warmth, guided the students and participants in meditation to uplift the mind towards a feeling of joy, happiness and well being. Rinpoche responded to the environment and the positive reception and went overtime. A number of participants stayed on a bit, asking Rinpoche personal questions. It was altogether a very good inaugural appearance in Zürich. We will certainly need a larger place in 2022. House of Religions (Buddhist section) — Bern, Switzerland
11. November 2021 On Gratitude For the second time, Rinpoche taught in Bern, Switzerland`s capital, in the very place where some years prior both H.H. the Dalai Lama and H.H. the 17th Karmapa had appeared. The room was full and Rinpoche sensed the good energy of both the place and the audience. He delivered an invigorating talk on how to appreciate more and to be more grateful.
He stressed the importance being grateful not just for “good, pleasant” people and situations, but to treasure the opposite ones even more. These difficult situations are golden opportunities and stepping-stones to transformation. His words struck a chord with the audience, and Rinpoche went well overtime, as usual. Following the talk a number of listeners, including a mainland Chinese woman, expressed their gratitude to Rinpoche and sought his advice on personal matters, which he was happy to give. It is likely this will be the location of future teachings. Other Buddhist center members seek further collaborations with Rinpoche. The director of the House of Religions expressed her interest to invite him to be on the great panel discussion in the future. This would lend Rinpoche a platform beyond just the Buddhist audience. 
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Thupten Jamtseling Retreat Centre
Sorens 12. – 14. November 2021 The Eight Verses of Mind Training The day after the evening talk in Bern, brought Rinpoche to his last stop in the rolling pre-Alpine area of Gruyère in the French speaking part of Switzerland. The Center is a former farmhouse which the hosting Dharma couple, Patrick and Mariann, transformed into a homey Dharma center, Thupten Jamtseling. The retreat center was named by H.H. the Dalai Lama and further blessed by the visit of His Holiness Sakya Trichen, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Urgen Thrinley Dorjee and other great masters. The retreat started Friday evening with an introduction and continued through Sunday noon. The house was full, and the audience was so captivated and engaged that their pleading persuaded Rinpoche to add a teaching session to the evening Saturday even though it had been originally reserved for meditation. Rinpoche added a solid and joyful two hours into the night that concluded this long day. Sunday morning until noon topped off this retreat with Rinpoche completing the last of the 8 Verses of Mind Training. He also set this text into the bigger picture, relating it first and foremost back to Buddha Shakyamuni, then in spiritual consequence to Shantideva, via Serlingpa to Atisha as well as to Tokmé Zangpo until finally down to Geshé Langri Thangpa, Kadampa Master who exceeded in breaking down the Dharma into a very condensed yet complete depiction and manual for genuine transforming the mind. Jigme Rinpoche emphasized the importance of meditation and remarked how we started the retreat on Medicine Buddha Day and concluded it on Tsepa Tshu, Guru Rinpoche Day, unplanned yet still falling on auspicious dates. The retreat was concluded with a sincere request by the hosts and students alike, for Rinpoche to return for a teaching retreat in 2022. His relatives then led a brief birthday celebration for Rinpoche’s nephew who presently resides in Oregon and who turned 19 that very same day. Everyone said goodbye to Rinpoche, and all were deeply moved by his sharing precious Dharma teachings and supporting meditation sessions throughout the weekend. 
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ONGOING EVENTS
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***Please note that the starting time is now 8 AM PDT. This starting time will remain in effect until Rinpoche returns from Nepal in May.***
PUBLIC ZOOM EVENT — ALL ARE WELCOME
Ongoing series of talks on Nagarjuna's Letter to a Friend
A Buddhist Philosophy Course with Tulku Jigme Rinpoche Sundays — 8 AM to 10 AM PST Email info@palmocenter.org for the Zoom link As this is a series, it is encouraged that you make a commitment to attend each Sunday. However, you may enter this series at any point.
Suggested offering $15
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ZOOM EVENT — ALL ARE WELCOME
Calm-abiding Meditation Wednesdays 7:00 – 7:30 PM Email info@palmocenter.org for the Zoom link Once a month, usually the first Wednesday of the month, there is also a Medicine Buddha Practice.
This event is free. |
Upcoming Events
No one is refused due to inability to pay. For scholarships, use the promo codes listed on the registration page.
COMING IN 2022
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Introduction to Buddhism
TBD in 2022 This four week course will be taught by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche. All are welcome. Class will meet every Thursday evening for 4 weeks from 6-8pm. Materials will be provided. Class will be recorded and a link will be emailed to all those who are registered.
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PUBLIC TALKS AND SYMPOSIA — DEPENDENT ON THE COVID SITUATION
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Climate Change from a Buddhist Perspective
A public talk with Tulku Jigme Rinpoche Date to be announced 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM $15
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Public Talk @ Tsunami Books
Led by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche TBD in 2021 Tsunami Books, 2585 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97405, USA An inspiring evening that will have a lasting impact. Space is limited, come early!
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Educating the Heart and Mind Symposium:
World Peace & Harmony through Interfaith Dialog Date TBD in 2021 A public panel discussion with Tulku Jigme Rinpoche and leaders from the major world religions focused on finding common ground.
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Public Talk @ Tsunami
Led by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche Date TBD in 2021 Tsunami Books, 2585 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97405, USA A rare chance to learn ancient Wisdom teachings from and unbroken lineage. These public talks are popular and fill up fast, come early to save your seat.
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Educating the Heart and Mind Symposium:
The Science of Compassion Date TBD in 2021 A public panel discussion with Tulku Jigme Rinpoche, world renowned neuroscientists, scientists, medical doctors, and community leaders.
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COMPLETED AND RECURRING EVENTS
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ZOOM EVENT — Event completed
White Tara
October 3 and 4, 2020
10AM - 5 PM Led by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche
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ZOOM EVENT — Event Completed
Annual Sleeping & Dreaming Yoga Retreat
October 17. 2020
10AM - 5PM Led by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche
$75
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ZOOM EVENT— Event Completed
There will be a continuation of this series. Dates to be announced.
The Four Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
A four week series with Tulku Jigme Rinpoche If you join the series after the first class, you will receive recordings of any missed classes.
Thursdays, February 18, February 25, March 4, and March 11, 2021
6 PM - 8 PM $100
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ZOOM RETREAT — Event completed
Death, Dying, & Beyond
Memorial Day Weekend Retreat with Tulku Jigme Rinpoche Friday May 28— 7 to 8 PM PDT
Saturday, Sunday, Monday May 29, 30, 31 — 6 AM to 12 PM PDT * Please note: These retreat hours have been set to accommodate a variety of time zones across the US, Europe and Nepal, from where Tulku Jigme Rinpoche will be offering these precious teachings via Zoom.
$350
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ZOOM EVENT — Event Completed
Annual Vipassana Retreat Led by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche August 28 and 29, 2021
6AM to 11AM PDT with a break for breakfast $150 * Please note: These retreat hours have been set to accommodate a variety of time zones across the US, Europe and Nepal, from where Tulku Jigme Rinpoche will be offering these precious teachings via Zoom.
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ZOOM EVENT — Event Completed
Annual Medicine Buddha Retreat
Led by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche December 11 and 12, 2021,
6 AM – 11 AM $150
* Please note: These retreat hours have been set to accommodate a variety of time zones across the US, Europe and Nepal, from where Tulku Jigme Rinpoche will be offering these precious teachings via Zoom.
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ZOOM EVENT
Shamatha Retreat - Heart of Meditation A Silent Practice Retreat Led by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche. February 19 and 20, 2022
6AM to 11 AM with a break for breakfast $150 Shamatha meditation—mindfulness or concentration—is the foundation of Buddhist practice. The purpose of shamatha meditation is to stabilize the mind. Beginning and experienced meditators are welcome.
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ZOOM EVENT Annual Ngondro Retreat event completed
Group practice retreat led by Tulku Jigme Rinpoche May 28, 29, 30, 2022
6 AM to 11 AM with a break for breakfast $150 * Please note: These retreat hours have been set to accommodate a variety of time zones across the US, Europe and Nepal, from where Tulku Jigme Rinpoche will be offering these precious teachings via Zoom.
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