Book Club
"Let’s be reasonable and add an eighth day to the week that is devoted exclusively to reading." —Lena Dunham
We’re thrilled to introduce the Shambhala Farm Book Club — a new gathering for thoughtful conversation, soulful inquiry, and community connection. We’ll meet every other month to explore books that touch on the themes of spirituality, yoga, and inner growth—stories and teachings that inspire us to live with more awareness, compassion, and presence. Whether you’re a lifelong seeker or just beginning your journey, this book club is a welcoming space to share reflections, ask questions, and connect through meaningful conversation.
Our First Pick: The Joy of Living by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Wednesday, June 25th at 5:30 PM
About the Book
In The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche offers a rare blend of timeless wisdom and contemporary insight. He demystifies meditation with clarity, warmth, and disarming humor, making it approachable for beginners and enriching for seasoned practitioners. The book interweaves the ancient teachings of Tibetan Buddhism with discoveries from neuroscience and psychology, illuminating how meditation reshapes the brain and reorients our life experience.
Rather than presenting meditation as a rigid or esoteric discipline, Mingyur Rinpoche reveals it as a natural, intuitive way of being — a tool for exploring the mind, transforming fear, and reconnecting with our innate joy. Through personal stories, vivid analogies, and step-by-step guidance, The Joy of Living invites us into an inner journey grounded in curiosity, compassion, and presence.
About the Author
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master known for his deep wisdom, contagious joy, and unique ability to translate complex teachings into everyday language. Born in Nepal in 1975 into a family of accomplished yogis, he was recognized as a tulku — a reincarnated teacher — at a young age. He underwent rigorous traditional training in meditation and philosophy. Yet he has also maintained a strong interest in science, especially the study of the mind and brain.
In The Joy of Living, as in his teachings worldwide, Mingyur Rinpoche bridges Eastern and Western worldviews with extraordinary grace. He is the founder of the Tergar Meditation Community, which offers teachings around the globe, and is widely admired for his open-hearted approach and personal honesty, including his candid reflections on anxiety and his solo retreat wandering through the Himalayas.
Like his presence, his writing is infused with gentleness, curiosity, and a deep belief in the possibility of inner transformation for all.