Three Jewels' founder, Geshe Michael Roach, is the first American-born Buddhist monk to be awarded the "Geshe" title in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. He achieved this rank after 25 years of study and rigorous examinations. Initially, Geshe Michael taught upon request at students' apartments around New York City. With a growing contingent of inspired students, a public center became necessary to make teachings more accessible. Three Jewels opened its doors in 1996 as a "drop-in" dharma center with a lending library of precious Buddhist texts, free meditation courses, and free dharma teachings. Three Jewels has expanded to include yogic studies, guided meditation classes, 15 free courses in traditional Buddhist philosophy from the Asian Classics Institute, and opportunities to get involved in local and international community outreach. Three Jewels is run by a team of dedicated practitioners and volunteers who work diligently to provide a place of sanctuary to all beings. Our mission is to provide a vibrant place of study and investigation through dharma, meditation, yoga and diligent service to the world at large.