Compassion in Tibetan Buddhism - a discussion with a Tibetan monk

Date: 10/23/2009

EAST LONGMEADOW - Khen Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan is a Tibetan Buddhist Monk of the Gelug-pa lineage (the same as the Dalai Lama), with the highest degree obtainable in Tibetan Buddhist metaphysics and philosophy. He was recently enthroned as the head abbot of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in exile. This is the Panchen Lama's Monastery outside of Tibet. His new title of Khen Rinpoche recognizes him as a precious high lama.

On Oct. 25 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Khen Rinpoche will speak on compassion in Tibetan Buddhism, with questions and answers to follow at Heartsong Yoga. This event is free and open to the public, and donations will be accepted to support the Siddhartha School Project in Ladakh, India.

In 1995, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Tsetan founded The Siddhartha School in his native home in Ladakh. The school seeks to preserve Tibetan Buddhist culture and language while giving the children of this remote Himalayan area a well-rounded education, which will allow them to represent themselves and their culture in this newly evolving global community.

In January of 2005 H.H. Dalai Lama appointed Geshe Tsetan to be the head abbot of the new Tashilungpo Monastery in India. (This is in the absence of the Panchen Lama, who has been missing since the Chinese Government took him and his family into custody when he was four years old.) In July 2005 he was installed as Kachen, or head abbot, of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in southern India. His new title is Khen Rinpoche Geshe Kachen Lobzang Tsetan, and he has assumed his new responsibilities overseeing the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in exile. He is now, in essence, doing the Panchen Lama's job.

Geshe Tsetan's dharma talk will be on "Taking Refuge in the Buddha" which is a practice of "taking shelter in the protection and guidance of the Three Jewels; Buddha, Dharma and Sangha." It is not necessary to give up any religious affiliation to practice Buddhism, as these are practices that can enhance and deepen one's spiritual life, however they live it! Questions and discussion will follow along with a meditation and blessing, in this rare opportunity to meet a Tibetan Monk in an "up close and personal" intimate gathering.

Call 525-0720 with questions or to register; walk ins are welcome. Visit www.heartsongyoga.com for more information. Heartsong Yoga is located at 254 North Main St., Condo East, East Longmeadow.