About

Jewel Heart is dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan Buddhism and to bringing the practice of this rich tradition within the context of contemporary life to everyone.

Gelek Rimpoche (1939 – 2017) established his first Western teaching center in Nijmegen, Netherlands, in 1985. In 1988, Jewel Heart was founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with chapters and study groups throughout the US, in Malaysia and Singapore and the Netherlands.

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Demo Rinpoche serves as the Spiritual Director of Jewel Heart.

Jewel Heart carries on the living tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, with a particular emphasis on the lineage of Je Tsongkhapa.

Jewel Heart programs continue to be based on Gelek Rimpoche’s teachings as well as teachings by Demo Rinpoche.  Programs include retreats, local Jewel Heart Chapter study programs, guest speakers, digital dharma, tsohs and ritual ceremonies and are supported by an extensive audio/video and transcript archive.

Jewel Heart provides opportunities to study and learn at all levels of interest and connection, from introductory meditation and community outreach programs to in-depth study and vajrayana practice.

Contact Us

Founder

Gelek Rimpoche (1939-2017)

Spiritual Director & Honorary Board Member

Demo Rinpoche

Board of Directors

Philip Glass, Chairman
Diana Rose, Vice Chair
Mark Magill, Treasurer
Carole Corcoran, Co-Executive Director
Nancy Jeffries, Co-Executive Director

Amy Hertz*
Sheila Hixon
Steven Krichbaum
Joseph Palms
Barbara Sloat
John Thornton
Wendy Weiner

*on leave until June 30, 2025

Senior Advisors

Francesco Clemente
Richard Gere
Patrick O’Meara
Jonathan Rose

Jewel Heart Staff

Mark Magill: Managing Director
Jonas Dainius Berzanskis: Audio Video & IT
Debbie Burr: Administration & Operations
Kathy Laritz: Program Development
Kimba Levitt: Project Coordinator
Bethany Locke: Webcast Director
Willy Richardson: Webmaster
Hartmut Sagolla: Program Development
Ujjen Tsewang: Store & Special Projects

Jewel Heart International

Jewel Heart Headquarters & Jewel Heart Store
1129 Oak Valley Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
(734) 994-3387

Financial Statements:

Jewel Heart’s financial position is reviewed yearly by an outside accounting firm.

PDF copies of the statements are attached for:

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