Triplegem of The North
Triple Gem of the North is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings, meditation, and mindful living. We offer meditation sessions, Buddhist Sutta study programs, and retreats that support spiritual growth, inner peace, and a balanced way of life.
Rooted in the spirit of dāna (selfless generosity), all of our teachings and programs are offered freely. Those who feel inspired are welcome to practice dāna through donations, helping us continue our mission of supporting individuals on the path of wisdom and awakening. At the conclusion of events and retreats, tax-deductible donations are gratefully accepted.
Our vision is to maintain a dedicated space for meditation practice and a retreat center where individuals may come for short or extended periods, supported by resident teachers and a caring community. We also host retreats led by both resident and visiting teachers, along with regular weekly meditation offerings.
At Triple Gem of the North, no one is turned away due to financial limitations. Guided by generosity and compassion, we strive to make meditation and mindfulness accessible to all who seek peace, clarity, and transformation.
Triple Gem of the North is operated by a volunteer board, serving the community with care and integrity
Our Current Board of Directors
Bhante Sathi
Evelyn Rodriguez
Akshay R Rao
Jerilyn Veldof
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TripleGem
Buddha
Great Teacher
“Buddha” is a title meaning the Awakened One—not a name, but a state of awakening that anyone can realize. The historical Buddha cultivated deep compassion and wisdom, awakening by understanding and overcoming craving. He shared this realization through the Noble Eightfold Path, offering a practical way for all people to seek liberation from suffering.
The Buddha’s life stands as an example that awakening is possible for everyone. His path encourages openness, inquiry, and sincere practice—inviting each person to discover freedom through their own experience.
Dhamma
Teachings
Dhamma refers to the truth of existence—the way things truly are. Known as Dhamma in Pāli and Dharma in Sanskrit, it is understood through direct experience when the mind is free from fixed views and ignorance. The Buddha’s forty-five years of teachings, preserved in the Pāli Canon, are known as the Dhamma. These teachings offer practical guidance for cultivating wisdom, compassion, and mindful living, and are available to all as a path of practice and understanding.
Sangha
Community
Sangha means community—the community of those who follow the teachings of the Buddha. It traditionally includes two interconnected parts: the monastic Sangha, made up of ordained monks and nuns who dedicate their lives to practice and teaching, and the non-monastic Sangha, composed of lay practitioners who support and live the teachings in daily life. Together, these two form a living community of practice, learning, and mutual support, preserving the Buddha’s teachings and embodying wisdom, compassion, and mindful living.
Bhante Sathi
Sathi’s journey into meditation began in early adolescence and deepened through years of dedicated study and practice. Trained within the Theravāda tradition in Sri Lanka, he developed a strong foundation in mindfulness, compassion, and insight meditation, which continues to inform his teaching today.
In 1999, Sathi relocated to the United States and began teaching meditation and mindfulness full-time. Based initially in Michigan, he traveled widely across the United States and Canada, offering meditation instruction, leading retreats, and sharing practical approaches to mindful living drawn from the Buddha’s teachings. His teaching style emphasizes clarity, accessibility, and direct experience, making meditation approachable for people of all backgrounds.
After settling in Minnesota in 2003, Sathi founded Triple Gem of the North in Mankato with the support of a growing community. Since then, he has been actively engaged in teaching meditation throughout Minnesota and beyond, leading retreats, weekly classes, and public talks focused on mindfulness, emotional balance, and inner well-being.
Sathi has served as a meditation teacher and guiding teacher at a range of institutions and practice centers, including Carleton College in Northfield, the Chaska Mindfulness Center, Metta Meditation Center, and other Twin Cities–area locations. He has also helped establish and guide several mindfulness and meditation centers across the United States, supporting sustainable communities of practice.
At the heart of Sathi’s work is an interest in the shared principles that unite different contemplative traditions, with a particular emphasis on meditation as a practical tool for cultivating awareness, compassion, and wisdom in daily life. His teaching welcomes both beginners and experienced practitioners and encourages inquiry, consistency, and personal discovery.
In March 2025, Sathi published his first book, The Mind Workout, which offers practical guidance for training the mind through mindfulness and meditation. The book is available through Amazon and IngramSpark, and bulk copies may be requested directly.
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Creating Lasting Peace
Our vision is to maintain a nurturing community where mindfulness leads to personal and collective well-being.