Vipassana, or special insight meditation, is a journey into the nature of our mind and a journey to gain insight into the nature of reality. Whenever His Holiness the Dalai Lama is asked how to be happy or what is the art of happiness, he often says, "Granted that external situations and circumstances do to a certain extent contribute towards one's happiness or suffering, fundamentally happiness or suffering depends upon the mind and how the mind perceives through the five senses."

In this retreat, Tulku Jigme Rinpoche will guide us in exploring how to reorient our perception to see the world as it truly is, not as it appears, thus allowing us to respond to ordinary situations of life, under any circumstances, with greater intelligence and compassion. To balance and complement this practice, it will be infused with the Mahayana approach of engaging all our actions for the benefit of ourselves and others.  Rinpoche will guide us with the practice of Tonglen (giving and taking), a very powerful method to cultivate loving-kindness and compassion for ourselves and others.  This weekend is suitable for both beginners and for those already established in Vipassana practice.

Venerable Tulku Jigme Rinpoche is a reincarnated Tibetan Buddhist meditation and philosophy teacher who serves as the director and co-founder of the Palmo Center for Peace and Education. He teaches courses and seminars and gives retreats in Buddhist centers and universities throughout North America, Asia and Europe. He hosts and actively participates in dialogues with leading psychologists, philosophers, and religious leaders and was the host and organizer of the historic visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Eugene Oregon. With a unique blend of eastern and western perspectives, he teaches with clarity, insight and humor relevant to the western mind.