Lecture by alexandre jollien & mingyour rinpoché

A special public event to cultivate resilience in a dividied world
An event open to all, blending lived philosophy and contemplative wisdom, where Alexandre Jollien and Mingyur Rinpoche will share, drawing from their life journeys, what concretely helps them navigate uncertainty. They will offer practical tools for facing fear and staying connected to others.
Date : Friday, July 17th, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Lieu : Espace Mayenne – 2 rue Joséphine Baker, 53000 Laval France
Open to all
Lecture in English with translation into French, German, and Spanish
Tickets starting at €15
Why attend ?
In an era marked by tension, isolation, and mental fatigue, this evening offers a rare moment of relief : a lively dialogue between Alexandre Jollien and Mingyur Rinpoche to better understand how to remain clear-headed, connected, and deeply human amidst the world’s upheavals.
You’ll find :
- Practical guidance for navigating difficult times without withdrawing ;
- A meeting of philosophical reflection and meditative experience ;
- Profound yet accessible insights, embodied by two remarkable figures ;
- An inspiring moment to step back and nourish your inner life.
This event is for you if :
- You’re interested in philosophy, psychology, or embodied spirituality ;
- You are going through a period of transition, doubt, or exhaustion ;
- You are looking for practical resources to stay present amidst the world’s tensions ;
- You are curious about meditation without necessarily practicing it ;
- You want to experience a truly inspiring evening in Laval, in an accessible environment.
What you’ll experience :
- Listen to a rare dialogue between a philosopher and a meditation master ;
- Discover practical ways to cope with fear, judgment, and uncertainty ;
- Hear how vulnerability can become a path to strength and openness ;
- Leave with ideas, practices, and inspiration that can be directly applied to daily life.
The speakers
Alexandre Jollien
A Swiss philosopher and writer born in 1975, Alexandre Jollien spent much of his childhood in a facility for people with disabilities. He has transformed this experience into a profound reflection on the human condition, vulnerability, and joy.
He is the author of numerous best-selling books, including Éloge de la faiblesse (Académie Française Prize, 1999) and, with Matthieu Ricard and Christophe André, Trois amis en quête de sagesse. He is also an actor, screenwriter, and director (La face cachée, Presque).
Audiences particularly appreciate his honesty, his humor, and his practical tools for cultivating kindness, joy, and resilience in everyday life.
Mingyour Rinpoché
Yongey Mingyour Rinpoche is a Buddhist meditation teacher from the border region between Tibet and Nepal. Through his retreats, books, and talks (including his TED talks), he demonstrates with great simplicity and humor how to recognize our fundamental goodness and the potential of our minds.
He began meditating as a child and has maintained a close dialogue with neuroscientists for many years. He is participating in a long-term study on the beneficial effects of meditation on the brain.
Around the world, he teaches a wide variety of audiences how to develop a living meditation practice, rooted in experience and applicable to everyday life.
Frédéric Auquier
Frédéric Auquier has been practicing and studying meditation since 2001 and has been a student of Mingyour Rinpoche since 2003. He is the principal of an international high school in Paris and teaches literature.
During this event, he will moderate the discussion and facilitate dialogue between the speakers and the audience.
Prices
- Reduced rate : €15
- Standard rate : €20
- Sponsor rate : €25
Tergar France is a non-profit organization that aims to make this event accessible to as many people as possible. If the price is a barrier, please email us at [email protected] so we can work together to find a solution that allows you to participate.
If you would like to help cover the event costs, you can :
- select the “Sponsor” option when registering ;
- or make a donation via HelloAsso using the reference code CONF :
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/tergar-france/formulaires/1
Accommodation
There are several accommodation options available right near the event.
Extend the experience in Laval
Are you coming to the conference ? Turn this moment into a true weekend of self-discovery.
On July 18th and 19th, 2026, at Espace Mayenne, Tergar France is offering “Anytime, Anywhere Meditation”, a secular program open to everyone, even beginners. Activities are also planned for teenagers and children ages 7 and up.
Questions fréquentes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to be Buddhist to attend ? No: this event is open to everyone, regardless of religious or spiritual practice. The conference is presented in an accessible and universal manner.
How do I get there ? Laval is easily accessible from several major French and European cities. By train : there are direct connections from Paris (about 1 hour and 15 minutes by TGV). Connections are available from other major cities such as Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Brussels, Geneva, etc. By plane : the nearest airports are Nantes Atlantique Airport (about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car) and the Paris airports (about 2 to 2 hours and an half depending on the route).
How will translation be provided ? The adult program will be in English with simultaneous translation into French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and French Sign Language.
Can I buy my ticket on-site ? No, it is not possible to buy a ticket on-site. Registration is available only online, subject to availability. We therefore recommend booking in advance, as the event may sell out.
What is the cancellation policy ? In the event of cancellation, the processing fee (€5) is non-refundable. For any cancellation requests, please contact [email protected].
Any other questions ?
For any logistical, administrative, or practical questions, the organizing team is at your disposal.
