Jewel Heart is hosting a rare visit from His Holiness the Ganden Tripa, Kyabje Rizong Rinpoche, on Nov. 12, 13 and 14.

His Holiness came to the United States to participate in an International Conference on Tibetan Buddhism in Atlanta with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and many high lamas from around the world. Among the high lamas participating in the activities, of course, was Ann Arbor's own Gelek Rimpoche, who also chaired one of the panels at the conference. His Holiness the Ganden Tripa’s only other engagement in the United States is this weekend at Jewel Heart in Ann Arbor. If you’d like to see more about the conference you can visit this website.

His Holiness Ganden Tri Rizong Rinpoche is the supreme spiritual head of the Tibetan Buddhist Gelugpa tradition worldwide. This highly esteemed position is attained through a vigorous selection process which requires years of extensive training and service. As the Ganden Throne Holder, His Holiness serves as the living representative of the profound qualities of Je Tsong Khapa and his teachings. He visited Jewel Heart many years ago, and we are delighted to see him here again.

In addition to the teachings by His Holiness on Friday evening and Saturday morning, there will be both a Tenzhuk on Saturday afternoon (a traditional Tibetan Buddhist long life ceremony for His Holiness), as well as the unique opportunity to receive a rare healing and longevity empowerment, the Jamgon Lama Tsong Khapa Empowerment on Sunday at 10 a.m. from His Holiness the Ganden Tripa, who is the spiritual representative of Je Tsong Khapa today.

To see more about this weekend, you can visit www.jewelheart.org or call 994-3387.

Also, Gelek Rimpoche will speak again on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. on the topic Understanding Love. A topic worth hearing about as love, ironically enough, often ends up fraught with disappointments, jealousy, and unhappiness, whether in terms of a partner or family and friends. We all know how a morning with Rimpoche typically sends listeners home with an "aha" moment, saying, "Hmmm, I never thought of it that way before!" This should be a very interesting talk.

Jewel Heart is located at 1129 Oak Valley Drive in Ann Arbor.