Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a well-known Tibetan Buddhist teacher and meditation master. He is the author of several books, including “The Joy of Living” and “In Love with the World: A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying.” He is also the founder of the Tergar Meditation Community, a global network of meditation centers and study groups that promote the practice of meditation and mindfulness.

The Wanderer

Mingyur Rinpoche was born in 1975 in the Himalayan region of Nepal and was recognized as a tulku, or reincarnated lama, at a young age. He began his formal training in Buddhist philosophy and meditation at the age of six, and by the time he was a teenager, he had completed many years of intensive meditation retreats.

In 2011, Mingyur Rinpoche embarked on what he called a “wandering retreat” or a “wandering yogi” journey. He left his monastery in Bodh Gaya, India, and began wandering through the Himalayas, relying on the kindness of strangers for food and shelter. During this time, he continued to meditate and practice, and he also engaged in acts of service, such as helping to rebuild a school in a remote village.

Photos and letter emerge from Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche’s ascetic retreat

After more than four years of wandering, Mingyur Rinpoche returned to his monastery and began to teach and write about his experiences. He has become known for his accessible and practical approach to meditation and mindfulness, and he has taught extensively in Asia, Europe, and North America.

In addition to his work as a meditation teacher and author, Mingyur Rinpoche is also involved in various humanitarian projects, such as providing support for underprivileged children and promoting mental health awareness.