RIGPA is a Tibetan word which means 'the innermost nature of mind'. Rigpa is also an international Buddhist organisation, founded by Sogyal Rinpoche (author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying). Sogyal Rinpoche was born in Tibet and brought up by one of the most revered spiritual masters of this century, Jamyang Khentse Choki Lodro. With the Chinese occupation of Tibet, he went into exile with his master in 1959. Rinpoche then received a modern university education in Delhi and Cambridge, England, and began to teach in the west in 1974.

Rigpa, registered as a charity in 1979, now has centres in 11 countries, dedicated to practising the teachings of the Buddha and making them available to benefit as many people as possible. Rigpa offers regular programmes of public talks, courses, retreats and teachings given by Sogyal Rinpoche and other emminent Buddhist masters from all traditions. The centre in London is the heart of Rigpas UK's activity but regular courses are also run in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Brighton and Norwich, with a growing number of Study and Practice groups around the country.

Rigpa Manchester is a self-facilitated Study and Practice group which meets twice monthly on alternative Tuesdays in Union Chapel. If you are interested in coming along to the group, you can contact us through Union Chapel, If you would like to know more about Rigpa, please visit this website: http://www.rigpa.org/