Announcement: Creating Space Meditation Class Begins August 27
Beginning on August 27, Jewel Heart Chicago will be offering a free meditation course on Wednesday mornings, 11:00 – 12:00, at the Logan Square Branch, Chicago Public Library, 3030 W. Fullerton Ave.
- Description: In this course, ‘Creating Space: Clarity and Insight through Meditation’, we will use the breath as an anchor to gently hold the mind. We will allow the mind to notice the arising and fading of various physical, emotional or mental phenomena that naturally occur.
- Benefits: It is profoundly grounding and relaxing to stay close to the breath. Meditating with others supports the development of the healthy habit of meditation.
- Motivation: The motivation at the point of sitting down for a session could be: may I learn about my mind and be able to direct it to activities that bring happiness and peace to myself and all others with whom I come into contact.
All are welcome. Bring a friend. Although this course is from Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche and based on Buddha’s instruction, one doesn’t need to be a Buddhist to enjoy the benefits. We will meet for 4 to 8 weeks and perhaps transition to another meditation technology going forward.
Please email us at [email protected] to secure a spot or ask questions. We look forward to seeing you!
Recent Public Talk: Demo Rinpoche Spring 2025 Chicago Event
His EminenceDemo Rinpoche delivered a public talk in Chicago in the spring of 2025 at the Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library. Titled “Strong Like a Mountain, Flow Like a River” the talk addressed how to calm your mind in challenging times. Key messages included how to use shamatha meditation to stabilize the mind, how crucial it is to recognize, analyze and strive to eliminate negative emotions, and why we must press forward even though obstacles may be ahead or behind us.
Gratitude toward all who attended and who helped the event take place. Planned follow-up activities include meditation classes, book/study group discussions, and more. The first follow-up is the upcoming course ‘Creating Space: Clarity and Insight through Meditation’ which begins August 27 (see above). Please contact us for more information.
Public Talk by Demo Rinpoche: Choose Compassion Over Fear (2024)
In June 2024, in the community room of a local church, His Eminence Demo Rinpoche presented a talk on how to “Choose Compassion Over Fear.” The talk explored how compassion can help overcome the limitations caused by fear and confusion, and serve as a reliable guiding force for our everyday lives.
As a follow-up, in Fall, senior sangha members led a multi-week course on The Four Noble Truths.
About Jewel Heart Chicago
Jewel Heart Chicago coalesced in the 1980s and 1990s to embrace the authentic and accessible teachings of Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche.
Over the years we have hosted numerous teachers, public events, discussion groups, dharma classes, guided meditations and local sangha celebrations, influenced by Rimpoche’s teachings. Although we lost our dedicated physical space during the pandemic, we continue to seek out and find venues to share the dharma with others. Please stay tuned and join us for our upcoming classes, public talks and sangha gatherings.