“Venerable Tenzin’s story is utterly amazing, told with honesty and elegance. It is very inspiring for anyone seeking the truth of life, or even trying to find themselves. Once I started the journey with him, running away from home as a 10-year old to follow his vision, I couldn’t put it down. I wholeheartedly recommend this touching memoir to everyone.”
-Robert A. F. Thurman Jey Tsong Khapa Professor Emeritus, Columbia University
Join us for an online conversation with Professor Robert Thurman and the Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi on his new book, Running Toward Mystery, this April 15th at 1 PM EDT!
Running Toward Mystery is the Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi’s profound account of his lifelong journey as a seeker. At its heart is a story of striving for enlightenment, of the vital importance of mentors in that search, and of the many remarkable teachers he met along the way, among them the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Mother Teresa.
“Teachers come and go on their own schedule,” Priyadarshi writes. “I clearly wasn’t in charge of the timetable, and it wasn’t my place to specify how a teacher should teach.”
And arrive they did, at the right time, in the right way, to impart the lessons that shaped a life of seeking, devotion, and deep human connection across all barriers.
Running Toward Mystery is the bracing and beautiful story of a singular life compelled to contemplation and a riveting narrative of just how exciting that journey can be.
Watch a short video by Robert A.F. Thurman on his work with Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi on Facebook.
“The experience I’ve had as a volunteer here at Menla has been a unique one. I had recently experienced the loss of a number of friends, and of my father, before coming up for a retreat, and then coming back as a volunteer. Not only was the work I did up in these gorgeous mountains an amazingly cathartic experience, but the support I received from the community that exists here was unlike anything I had previously experienced.”
Reina de Beer
“Menla offers integrative healing—merging Tibetan, Ayurvedic and other holistic traditions—along with fresh clean air, hikes and perhaps the most authentic Tibetan treatment therapies this side of Lhasa.”
Rona Berg, Organic Spa
“A Paradise in the mountains. Usually you expect basic accommodations for a Retreat Center, but the rooms are amazing.”
Beth Silverman