“The Interrelationship Between Mind and Body” is the title of Topgyal’s speech tonight in Ridgeway and the one Monday in Grand Junction at Yoga West.

Topgyal is a Geshe (doctor of Buddhist philosophy) and the resident teacher of the Charleston Tibetan Society Dharma Center in Charleston, S.C.

He is also on the faculty of the Drepung Loseling Monastic University in India and the teacher of the Asanga Institute’s spiritual director, Geshe Phuntsok.

The lecture tour is sponsored by The Asanga Institute, a Buddhist meditation center in Montrose whose purpose is to promote the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The Asanga Institute also provides support to the Tibetan people and supports the peace mission of Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

The nonprofit center in Montrose provides meditation and Buddhist philosophy classes to the community for a donation.

There’s also a Tibetan gift shop that sells items made by Tibetan refugees in India.

Proceeds from the current Tibetan lecture tour help to support the center.

The lectures are “also to introduce people to the basic principles of Buddhism and to help people have happy, productive lives,” said Arlyn Macdonald, executive director of Asanga Institute.

Topgyal will present a seminar titled “Love and Compassion as a Seed for Peace and Happiness” in Montrose Saturday at the Lions Park Community Building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Topgyal has published three books on Samatha meditation, including “A Diamond Key for Opening the Wisdom Eye.” His latest book is “Essential Ethics: A Buddhist Approach to Modern Day Life and Social Action.” His books will be available at the lectures and at the seminar.

A donation of $50 is requested for the Montrose seminar. A donation of $25 is suggested for the talk at Yoga West.