Omega to Host New York City Event 'Global Compassion: Beyond the Self'

In his only New York City appearance, internationally renowned Buddhist monk, humanitarian, author, and scientist, Matthieu Ricard joins Omega Institute Friday, October 27th at 8:00 p.m. at the Symphony Space in Manhattan. Ricard's talk will explore the global and inner movements for a more compassionate world. In the second half of the evening, he will be joined by acclaimed actor, philanthropist, and activist, Richard Gere to discuss ideas from Ricard's new book, Beyond the Self: Conversations with Buddhism and Neuroscience. This event is one of a series of gatherings Omega has hosted in 2017, around the theme #BeingFearless.

Sometimes called the "happiest man in the world," Matthieu Ricard has said, "To be able to feel unconditional compassion, one needs to develop fearlessness."

"At Omega we've been talking a lot about what is necessary to make meaningful change, and looking at ways we can remain fearlessly open-hearted in the face of adversity, difference, and challenge," said Robert "Skip" Backus, chief executive officer at Omega. "Matthieu Ricard's teachings on the power of compassion to change yourself and the world are poignant and right on time. We are delighted to be hosting this important conversation."

Ricard's scientific collaborations and extensive contemplative studies have demonstrated that achieving positive states of consciousness, such as happiness, compassion, and fearlessness, requires the same effort and mind training involved with any other serious pursuit. Ricard says this training can help lead us beyond the self into a deeper engagement with the world around us.

With Ricard soon to enter a period of semi-retirement, this event offers a rare opportunity to hear about his insights firsthand. Ricard will offer practical advice for developing deeper altruism, and how to work together to expand global compassion.

The event will be held October 27, 2017 at Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, 2537 Broadway, New York, NY. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., event begins at 8:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, please visit Symphony Space.

About Matthieu Ricard
Born in France, Matthieu Ricard is a Buddhist monk who left a career in cellular genetics to study Buddhism in the Himalayas more than 45 years ago. He is an international best-selling author and a prominent speaker on the world stage, celebrated at the World Economic Forum at Davos, forums at the United Nations, and at TED, where his talks on happiness and altruism have been viewed by more than five million people. His books have been translated into more than 20 languages, and include five photography books. He lives in Nepal and devotes all the profits from his appearances and books toward funding more than 200 humanitarian projects in Tibet, India, and Nepal through the Karuna Shechen organization. MatthieuRicard.org/Karuna-Shechen

Contact: Kathleen Sweeney, Kathleen@WordCityStudio.com, 914.714.0404

About Richard Gere
Richard Gere is an internationally renowned actor, activist and philanthropist. For over thirty years, he has worked to draw attention and practical resolutions to humanitarian crises rooted in injustice, inequality, and intolerance. Through his private foundation, the Gere Foundation, he has served as a long time rights advocate whose humanitarian efforts have taken him to Tibet, India, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Kosovo, Central America, and the Middle East. He has received honors from amfAR, Amnesty International, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Hadassah International, The Tibet Fund, and the Harvard AIDS Institute. He is also the recipient of CARE's Humanitarian Award for Global Change, the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award, the Marian Anderson Award and Freedom House's Raising Awareness Award.

About Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
Founded in 1977, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is the nation's most trusted source for wellness and personal growth. As a nonprofit organization, Omega offers diverse and innovative educational experiences that inspire an integrated approach to personal and social change. Located on 250 acres in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Omega welcomes more than 23,000 people to its workshops, conferences, and retreats in Rhinebeck, New York, and at exceptional locations around the world. eOmega.org

Contact: Chrissa Santoro, ChrissaSantoro@eOmega.org, 845.266.4444, ext. 404

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