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Ann Arbor

Welcome to the Jewel Heart Ann Arbor Chapter Webpage!

HIGHLIGHTS FOR ANN ARBOR PROGRAMS & SANGHA ACTIVITIES follow.  Please scroll further below for a full listing of both local Ann Arbor Dharma Programs and Sangha Activities. Please note our new online registration process for Ann Arbor onsite only Dharma Programs.

JEWEL HEART SUNDAY PROGRAMS – Local/National, Onsite/Online

SUNDAY PROGRAMS

Ancient Wisdom. Modern Times. with Demo Rinpoche. Free weekly Sunday Talks, 11:00am – 12:00pm, Onsite/Online. All welcome. Onsite, tea/snacks and optional discussion follows the morning talk. No Sunday onsite/online discussion on May 4 due to program with Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe. No Sunday morning talks nor onsite/online discussion on Sundays, May 25, July 27, and October 5 due to seminars and retreats on those days. 

White Tara Guided Meditation.  Free Sundays, 9:30 – 10:30am. Onsite/Online. All welcome. Click to explore the White Tara Meditations/Practice webpage. No White Tara Guided Meditation session May 25, July 27 and October 5. due to seminars and retreats.

ONSITE ONLY LOCAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

LAMA CHOPA AND TSOH, Monthly, 6:00pm. Dates: Wednesday, May 7, Thursday, June 5, Saturday, July 5, Monday, August 4, Tuesday, September 2. Onsite only. Jadal Tulku Lobsang Sherap will lead the 10th lunar day practice. All welcome. Dates subject to change.
 
MEDITATION with Jadal Tulku Lobsang Sherap – Tuesdays weekly, beginning April 15th, 6:00 – 6:45pm FREE. Onsite only. No registration required.
Meditation will be held in the Joyful Paradise Room. Bring a friend!

ONGOING SANGHA ACTIVITIES HIGHLIGHTS – Free (unless otherwise noted). Scroll further below for detailed Sangha Activities section.

LOVING KINDNESS CRAFTERS, Sundays monthly, 1:00pm. Dates: May 18 last meeting until next Fall.

TAI CHI, Sundays weekly, 4:00 – 5:00pm, $5 per session No session May 4 and 25, July 27, October 5 .

OPEN MIC@Jewel Heart, Second Sunday monthly, 6:00pm. May 11 last session until next Fall.

DHARMA DISC’ERS DISC GOLF, Third Sunday monthly, 2:00 – 4:00pm.  Dates: May 18, June 8, July 13, August 17  –  Discs will also be available for use for newcomers. Meet and play at Mary Beth Doyle Park, 3500 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arobr.

HATHA YOGA STRETCH with Samantha Lieberman, Thursdays weekly, 9:15 – 10:15am, $18 per session

STRETCH with Samantha Lieberman, MOVED TO Thursdays, 10:20 – 11:20am, $18 per session

FREE FILM & DISCUSSION, Fridays monthly, 7:00pm. Dates: May 9 with The Cup, Free. Concessions available. Also, June 13, July 11, August 8 

HAPPY HIKERS, Saturdays, Monthly, 1:30 – 2:30pm. Date: May 17 at Lily Park South Trails Loop. Last hike until Fall.

Please check here for onsite cancellations during inclement weather.

ANN ARBOR SANGHA COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETINGS –  Onsite only. First Wednesdays monthly, 5:45pm with occasional exceptions. All welcome. Next Sangha Council meeting is May 14. Dates: May 14 , June 4, July 9. Questions contact Wendy at [email protected]

For local Jewel Heart Ann Arbor Programs and Sangha Activities questions – write [email protected] or call 734 994 3387.

Covid Guidelines

Jewel Heart was founded in Ann Arbor in 1988. We were privileged to receive the late Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche’s teachings on a regular basis, and the privilege continues with Jewel Heart’s Spiritual Director, Demo Rinpoche. Jewel Heart also hosts many other preeminent teachers and scholars in Tibetan Buddhism.

Read More about the Ann Arbor Chapter…

In 2008, we were honored when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama accepted Jewel Heart’s invitation to teach in Ann Arbor and inaugurated our spacious new location at 1129 Oak Valley Drive.

Throughout the year, we offer retreats, courses, guest speakers, workshops, and talks geared to help individuals bring peace, joy, and understanding into their lives and the lives of others. Jewel Heart offerings are based on the authentic and accessible teachings of Demo Rinpoche, Jewel Heart’s Resident Spiritual Advisor and the late Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche, founder of Jewel Heart.

When fully open for onsite participation, we hold film nights, a book group, a knitting group, tai chi classes, and community events, such as potlucks, a community garden, and fun-raisers. We are also involved in outreach activities, providing classes in mindfulness meditation to prisoners and living will workshops offered by Jewel Heart Health Center and Community Hospice.

The Jewel Heart Store, located at Jewel Heart Ann Arbor, sells books, transcripts, Tibetan rugs, and dharma objects. Jewel Heart Ann Arbor also has a main assembly hall, multiple rooms for courses, kitchen and dining facilities, and green space with a pond.

If you have questions about local programming, please email [email protected]or call 734 994 3387.

Arbor Farms

SHOP AT ARBOR FARMS MARKET AND JEWEL HEART RECEIVES A 3% DONATION ON YOUR ORDER. IT’S SIMPLE … When Checking out, mention you’d like to benefit Organization #79 Jewel Heart. It’s Good for you…. with Local and Organic Produce and more. Arbor Farms Market – 2103 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. 734 996 8111. Visit arborfarms.com.

Don’t forget to do your grocery shopping at Arbor Farms and 3% will be donated to Jewel Heart.
 
Facebook Chapter Link

 

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Location and Events

View Location

View Calendar of Events

Archived Programs

Contact

Phone:
(734) 994-3387

Email:
[email protected]

Location and Events

View Location

View Calendar of Events

Archived Programs

Contact

Phone:
(734) 994-3387

Email:
[email protected]

Ann Arbor Sangha Activities May – August 2025

LOVING KINDNESS CRAFTERS – Monthly Sundays, 1:00pm
DATES: May 18 – This is the last session until 2025 Fall

Interested in knitting, sewing, quilting, baking or other crafts? No knowledge necessary, beginners and experts and all between are welcome. The Loving Kindness Crafters have recently been creating patient blankets and blankets for homeless children – simply cutting cloth edges and tying. Update: On March 23 and April 27 – We hope to complete 2 more Polarfleece Tie Blankets. On May 18, the monthly project will shift to making felted beads for jewelry, using wool fiber, olive oil soap and water. Materials and instructions will be provided.

TAI CHI – Sundays Weekly, 4:00 – 5:00pm 
Learn and practice Wu Style Tai Chi Chan with instructor Marilyn Feingold.
COST: Drop-in, $5 per session at the door. No sessions May 4 & 25, July 27

OPEN MIC@JEWEL HEART – Second Sunday Monthly, 6:00pm Sign-up  5:30pm.

DATES:  May 11 This is the last session until Fall 2025

All welcome. Email [email protected].  Donations welcome.

LOCATION: 1129 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, 48108

HATHA YOGA WITH SAMANTHA LIEBERMAN – Thursdays Weekly, 9:15 – 10:15am – No session July 24
COST: Drop-in $18 per session, Cash or Venmo at door. Seniors receive 10% discount. Discounted packages available. Bring your own mats.

Sam Lieberman has been practicing yoga since 1988. She received teacher trainings in Yoga Fit and Yoga Medics. Yoga Medics is a medical model approach with emphasis on alignment and therapeutic needs.

STRETCH WITH SAMANTHA LIEBERMAN – Thursdays Weekly, 10:20 – 10:15am – No session July 24

Come educate yourself on how, why and the importance of stretching! Bring your own mat. $18 per session/Venmo or cash the door. 10% senior discount. Packages available.

FREE FILM AND DISCUSSION – Fridays Monthly, 7:00pm

Bring friends and enjoy a free film &  follow up group discussion onsite. Free concessions available.

LOCATION: 1129 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor 48108

May 9 – THE CUP  (2012) This first film from Khyentse Norbu, a Buddhist monk, is a refreshing, hopeful story that manages to remain optimistic without succumbing to overt sentimentality. THE CUP tells the tale of a small Tibetan monastery in Bhutan whose traditionally closed doors are opened when a group of small boys are unable to stifle their love for soccer.

June 13 – Soul (2020) Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.

 July 11 –  Perfect Days (2023) A perfect song that hits at just the right moment, the play of sunlight through leaves, a fleeting moment of human connection in a vast metropolis: the wonders of everyday life come into breath­taking focus in this profoundly moving film by Wim Wenders.

 August 8 – Hidden Figures (2016) – Three female African-American mathematicians play a pivotal role in astronaut John Glenn’s launch into orbit while dealing with racial and gender discrimination.

 HAPPY HIKERS – 3rd Saturday Monthly at various Ann Arbor parks, 1:30 – 2:30pm  

DATES/LOCATIONS: May 17.  We take a break in June, July, August and resume September – December.

May 17: Lilly Park- South Trails Loop, 4365 Platt Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Questions? Contact Heather MacKenzie at [email protected] for information.

DHARMA DISC’ERS DISC GOLF – Sunday Afternoons Monthly, 2:00pm – 4:00pm – New and experienced players welcome!

DATES: May 18, June 8, July 13, August 17

LOCATION: Mary Beth Doyle Park, 3500 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor 48108. Meet in parking lot adjacent to swing set.
Instructions – Time of play is usually 1-3 hours, depending on number in group and how many holes we play. Typically 18 holes but you can also play 9 or however many you like.
Wear good hiking shoes with a good gripping sole as ground may be muddy. Discs will be available to use for the day. If you have your own discs (or plan to purchase a starter set), please bring your own. You might also want to bring a small bag or backpack to carry your discs.
Note: Play is weather permitting. Please check this webpage first.
Contact: [email protected]

SANGHA GAME NIGHT – To be determined 
LOCATION: Jewel Heart Cafe, 1129 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor 48108
Everyone is invited to bring a favorite game or two, otherwise take their chances with what others bring. A few games anticipated are – Uno and variants, Codenames, Splendor, Pictionary, Monikers Late arrivals welcome.

In general, it is anticipated someone will join a group of 3-6 people and agree to a game for 30-60 minutes. One person will take the lead explaining the game and facilitating game play. Then a NEW game is selected by someone else for variety as people move in or out as desired.
People sharing their favorite games and learning new games is encouraged. Snacks will be provided.

Ann Arbor Programs May – August 2025

NEW – ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR ANN ARBOR  DHARMA COURSES 

MEDITATE WITH MEDITATION MASTER JADAL TULKU
TUESDAYS, 6:00 – 6:45pm Weekly
FREE. Onsite only. No registration required.
Held in the Joyful Paradise Room

Serving as a framework for cultivating insight and awareness, these weekly on-going meditations will focus on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, and mental phenomena. A wonderful opportunity to learn and practice concentration meditation, analytical meditation, and more as a group.

Biography – Jadal Tulku Lobsang Sherap was recognized by the 100th Ganden Tripa and His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1999. He then studied at Drepung Loseling monastery through 2014. Next he attended Gelugpa University focusing on advanced studies on the five major treatises of Buddhist philosophical texts. He received the bachelor’s level Karam Degree and the master’s level Lopon degree, and then the Geshe Lharam degree in 2020. In 2021 Jadal Tulku also studied tantra at Gyume Tantric College in Hunsur, India, and the National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center in Taipai City, Taiwan.

 

 

SAKADAWA DAY PRECEPTS – JUNE 11 – SAVE THE DATE. Watch here for details coming soon.

GOM: DAY OF MEDITATION – Saturdays onsite only, 9:00am – 5:00pm. FREE – Watch here for upcoming dates.

Meditation is an essential tool to help develop peace, joy, concentration and wisdom. GOM Days provide an opportunity to participate in silent group meditation sessions. Instructors will provide light guidance and will be available for assistance. Participants are welcome to come and go as suits their personal schedules throughout the day.

No registration required. Come when you can.

SCHEDULE

9:00am-10:30am session, 10:30am-11:00am break/questions
11:00am-12:30pm session, 12:30pm-1:00pm break/questions
1:00am-2:3pm session, 2:30pm-3:00pm break/questions
3:00am-4:30pm session, 4:30pm-5:00pm break/questions

Participants are welcome to meditate through break if you choose.

MONTHLY LAMA CHOPA AND TSOHS – 6:00pm onsite only  –  May 7, June 5, July 5, August 4, September 2

Meeting onsite on the 10th lunar day monthly at 6:00pm with Lama Chopa Practice and Tsohs. Jadal Tulku will lead the sessions.

ANCIENT WISDOM. MODERN TIMES. WITH DEMO RINPOCHE

Join Demo Rinpoche for weekly public talks on a variety of topics based on Buddhist wisdom that remains relevant for modern life. Followed by optional facilitated group discussion, onsite and online. Special Sunday talk by Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe (translated by Gala Rinpoche) on May 4. No live Sunday talks on May 25 (Spring Seminar), July 27 (Summer Retreat). Earlier recordings will be posted on the Ancient Wisdom. Modern Times. webpage for your convenience.

Sundays Weekly 11:00am – 12:00pm, FREE, Onsite and Online – Earlier recordings will be posted on the Ancient Wisdom. Modern Times. webpage on those dates to view at your convenience.

WHITE TARA GUIDED HEALING MEDITATION

Tara, mother goddess of Tibetan Buddhism, is known for her quick and compassionate activity. White Tara is particularly associated with healing and long life. These guided meditations use visualization techniques to overcome physical, mental, and emotional suffering.

Sundays Weekly, 9:30 – 10:30am, Online/Onsite –  No White Tara guided meditations session on May 25 (Spring Seminar), July 27 (Summer Retreat), October 12 (Fall Seminar), December 28 (Holiday Intensive). 

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