Who We Are
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Tergar was founded by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, a Tibetan monk and teacher who has spent over 10 years of his life in meditation retreat including two consecutive 3-year retreats when he was young and, famously, 4 years of solitary wandering retreat from 2011-2015. He became the retreat master for a prominent monastery in northern India when he was only 16 years old. He has taught meditation to thousands of people around the world, is the main designer of Tergar’s curriculum, and has been both an advisor and a test subject in a number of influential scientific research studies about meditation and the brain. His books, such as The Joy of Living (2007) and In Love with the World: A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying (2019) are broadly loved for their accessibility and their clear presentations of ideas that span from ancient Buddhist instructions to contemporary neuroscience.
Organizers
At the heart of our organization is a vibrant community of volunteers, each one dedicated to nurturing a space where growth, learning, and mindfulness flourish. We operate based on the principles of sociocracy, a governance model that emphasizes equity, inclusive decision-making, and distributed authority. This approach ensures that every voice is heard, and each decision reflects the collective wisdom and needs of our community. Our commitment to these values not only shapes the way we manage our day-to-day operations but also reinforces our mission to create a harmonious and supportive environment for all. Through this unique blend of volunteer-driven passion and sociocratic principles, we strive to make a meaningful impact, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among those we serve.
Retreat Guides
Each year we invite a group Tergar Instructors and Facilitators to serve as guides for our retreat programs. Read about this year’s guides.
Meditation Community Affiliations
Tergar Retreats is part of the Tergar Sangha, which includes multiple connected organizations founded by Mingyur Rinpoche. The Tergar Sangha have been working for many years to present Tibetan Buddhist meditation instruction for a modern audience.