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Singapore Buddhist Calendar

 
2008 AD ( 2552 BE ) ACTIVITIES

 


     
January February
 




 

   
   January 2008
  
DATE VENUE ACTIVITIES

Jan 01
to
Mar 23 Special Exhibitions Gallery, ACM Empress Place. By Asian Civilisations Museum Exhibitions: On The Nalanda Trail: Buddhism in India, China and Southeast Asia 




  

During the past, many Asian countries interacted with each other through peaceful means via religion, trade and political missions. Many Chinese pilgrims went to India for Buddhist studies while Indian monks went to China to disseminate the faith. The footprints of Buddhist pilgrims can be seen over the Silk Road all along Central, northwest India as well as the Southeast Asia. Traversing India to modern Pakistan, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet, China, Korea and Japan, Java, Sumatra, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos - Buddhism not only affected the lives and cultures in those regions but also left us with a legacy in the arts and literature.


This exhibition will highlight some of the significant landmarks in Buddhist history, through the travel records of the monks Faxian, Xuanzang, Yijing and the spread of Buddhism at centres of higher learning such as Nalanda in eastern India which was visited by many students from all over the Asian world. The exhibition will be illustrated and accompanied by a display of Buddhist art and artefacts borrowed from museums in India and Southeast Asia and will include some objects from the ACM’s own collection.  


 
 

Getting there:

Directions

ACM Empress Place is a 5-minute walk from the Raffles Place MRT station.



Parking
 
Public parking is available along Empress Place next to the Museum building; at the basement carpark of the New Parliament House, at Six Battery Road and at One Fullerton across from the Fullerton Hotel.





Jan 5
to
Jan 26 Vipassana Meditation Centre (Singapore) Meditation Course For Beginners Jan 2008






Once again ,Vipassana Meditation Centre (Singapore) is organising a four (4) sessions Meditation Course For Beginners and the details are as follow:


Date : 5 , 12 , 19 & 26 Jan 08 (Sat)

Time : 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Teacher : Sayadaw U Pannananda

Medium : Burmese / English

Venue : 251 Lavender Street

Fees : By DONATION



For course details pls refer to the brochure as attached.



To register pls fill in the application form as attached and send it to us via email vmckm@singnet.com.sg, mail or fax .



Application opens now and closes on 31 Dec 07 or earlier if vacancies are taken up. Priority will be given to those who are on the waiting list.



Successful applicants will be notified in person.

May the blessing of the Triple Gems guide and protect you and your loved ones always.


All are welcome
Jan 06 Singapore Buddhist Federation Chinese Children Dharma Class




Download form here



All are welcome


Jan 06 By Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Center Basic Buddhism Course.
NEW CLASS STARTING IN JAN 2008!

REGISTER ONLINE NOW! 





Date : Every Sunday from 6 Jan 2008
 

Time : 1pm - 3:30pm
 

Instructor : Vajiro (Richard) Chia
 

Venue : Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Center, 

39 Geylang Lorong 12, Singapore 399012 
 

Enquiry : 6746 6211 (9am - 5pm Daily) 

Fee : FOC. 

Registration : Online Registration Open

[CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW] 


 




Introduction 

The Basic Buddhism Course is specially designed and tailored to suit the fast-paced and modern lifestyle.



This 20-lesson-course skillfully balances theoretical study of DHAMMA with MEDITATION practice, providing a strong basis for understanding of BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS and a good foundation for mental development. It will greatly benefit both beginners as well as long-time practitioners.



The course consists of three sections, namely BUDDHIST FUNDAMENTALS, MEDITATION and PALI CHANTING 



Buddhist Fundamentals 

The Buddhist fundamentals are structured to provide in-depth, intellectual framework for the understanding of the essentials of the BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS.



Topics covered include:


The definition of Evil, Good & Pure
Life of the Buddha
Four Noble Truths
Noble Eight-Fold Path 
Dependent Origination 
Four Foundations of Mindfulness 
Karma & Rebirth 


as well as studying of major SUTTAS.



Meditation 

Inclusive in the course are MEDITATION training sessions. Step-by-step meditation instructions & guidance will be given during the training. The techniques taught are:

Metta - Loving Kindness
Kayagati - Impurities of Body
Jhana - Concentration
Vipassana - Insight



Pali Chanting 

Pali Chanting includes homage to the Buddha, Dharma & Sangha, offering (puja), as well as the traditional suttas: Mangala Sutta, Ratana Sutta, and Metta Sutta.



The Course Instructor 


The course instructor, Richard (Vajiro) Chia, is an experienced Dhamma teacher who has a clear and straightforward approach to Buddha's teachings. He is able to bring out dynamism of Buddhism, and its relevance in present day. 

Vajiro is also well-known for his effective and efficient meditation instructions, having guided many through the levels of concentration and stages of insight knowledge. His coaching method has helped many students to REALISE the teachings of the Buddha. 
 


All are welcome



Jan 06 By Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Center Basic Meditation Course.
NEW CLASS STARTING IN JAN 2008!

REGISTER ONLINE NOW! 









Date : Every Sunday from 6 Jan 2008
 

Time : 9.00 - 11.30am
 

Instructor : Vajiro (Richard) Chia
 

Venue : Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Center, 

39 Geylang Lorong 12, Singapore 399012 
 

Fee : FOC 

Registration : Online Registration Open

[CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW] 


 



Introduction


This course introduces meditation through 20 well-structured lessons that combined guided practices with basic understanding of meditation and its applications in daily life. 


How to Take Care of Your Mind? 
Who are You? 
How to Practice in Daily Life? 
Development of the Path 
Pre-Requisite 



This course is designed for students who have completed the Basic Buddhism Course. Students are expected to have the understanding of Buddhist fundamentals and have learned the basic technigues of meditation. New students are strongly encouraged to enrol in the Basic Buddhism Course.



Class Format

This class provides a condusive environment for group devotional and meditation practices in the following format: 


Puja and Chanting 
Guided Meditation 
Individual Pratices & Interviews 
Summary and Discussion 
Dedication of Merits 



Meditation Instructions 

This course introduces various meditation techniques in a systematic manner. Metta (Loving Kindness) and Kayanupassana (Contemplation of the Body) are introduced as prliminary practices. 



Students will then be guided through the levels of Concetration (Samatha) and introduced to various stages of Insight (Vipassana) knowledge.
 





All are welcome

Jan 24
to
Jan 27 By Buddhist Fellowship Lunar New Year Special : Passage of Time



Ajahn Brahm 
**********

Quek Hui Ling as Mother and Clara Monksfield as little Mei Lye
**********

Loh Wen Jie as the matchmaker, Alvin Lee as Father
**********

Neo Swee Lin as old Mei Lye
**********

Malcom as The Doctor, Hui Leng as Mei Lye, Nick Shen as Eng 
**********



Passage of Time musical, back by popular demand, will
be featuring Neo Swee Lin, Nick Shen and Ajahn Brahm
as himself to share the wisdom on forgiveness and
inner peace. A musical NOT TO BE MISSED!



Tickets are available at the BF Centre. You can book
either by phone or email and simply mail in your
cheque. Tickets are $48, $38 and $28. Tickets are
still available for the 25 Jan and 26 Jan (Sat matinee
& evening) shows.



The 27 Jan show is a charity night benefiting the Hua
Mei Clinics for Seniors operated by the Tsao
Foundation. Guest of Honor is Mr Khaw Boon Wan,
Minister for Health. Tickets start at $100.



For every ticket purchased from now till the 8th
December will come with a FREE 2008 Calendar with
inspirational quotes provided by Ajahn Brahm worth
$10!



For the poster and mp3 trailer, click on
trailer





All are welcome




Jan 26
to
Feb 09 By Norbu Choling Centre Norbu Choling Centre
1st Anniversary Celebration 2008
The 19th Incarnation of Lochen Rinpoche in Singapore





Norbu Choling Centre is a direct affliliate dharma centre of Kee Monastry
of Spiti, India



Biography of Rev. T.K. Lochen Tulku Rinpoche

Rev. T.K. Lochen Tulku Rinpoche is the 19th incarnation of Lochen Rinchen
Sangpo




A post graduate in Sutra, Tantra and Buddhist Philosophy from the Institute
of Buddhist Dialectics, Dharamsala and other Monastic Universities, he is
highly revered by the Himalayan people as a spiritual teacher, guide and
philosopher.




A renowned scholar and master of Buddhist philosophy and Buddhist
Tantrayana, he is also a former member of the National Minorities
Commission. Born in Shalkhar village of Kinnaur district in the north
Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, he runs monasteries in the western Indian
Himalayas, and is revered by tens of thousands of disciples both in India
and abroad.




He was also the head of several prestigious organizations like the Buddhist
Cultural Association, New Delhi, the Tashilumpo Monastic University,
Karnataka, etc.




He is the 19th incarnation of Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo who was instrumental
in second diffusion of Buddhism in Tibet during the 9th and 10th Centuries.
Traditionally he also belongs to the Tashi Lhunpo monastery at Shigatse in
Tibet, where he ranks second only to the Panchen Lama.





All are welcome






 





 

   
   February 2008
  
DATE VENUE ACTIVITIES

Feb 05
to
Feb 23 Kwan Yin Chan Lin  KYCLZEN 2008 
Fund Raising Activities For The New Zen Centre 





Location





   

Transportation Guide



Bus stop in front of Zen shop (at Eminent Plaza, along Lavender Street),
going to Balestier Road:

Bus stop opposite Zen shop, going to Geylang / Bugis:



SBS: 13, 133, 145

SMRT: 67 



Bus stop in front of Lavender Food Sqaure (along Jalan Besar):

Bus stop in front of Kwai Wai Shu Hospital (along Serangoon Road):
 

SBS: 21, 23, 64, 65, 66, 125, 130, 139, 147

SMRT: 67, 857, NR6.


Nearest MRT is Lavender with buses 133, 145 coming here.




All are welcome

Feb 07 1st Day of the First Chinese Lunar Month, in the Year 4706 

Happy Lunar New Year

Today in the Year of the Mouse or 4706th year based on the Chinese lunar calendar, most Chinese Buddhists celebrate the Spring Festival or Chinese Lunar New Year by having prayers, offerings and blessings at Buddhist Temples. 

Feb 12
to
Feb 17 Palelai Buddhist Temple Dharma Talks by Venerable Ajaan Chin


PBT is indeed privileged that Venerable Ajaan Chin, current abbot of Wat Dhammasathit Forest Monastery in Rayong, Thailand will be delivering 2 Dhamma talks at PBT during the Venerable's trip to Singapore during the second week of February 2008. Venerable Ajaan Chin is a senior student of the renowned meditation master, Venerable Ajaan Fuang Jotiko (1915-1986) of the Thai Forest Tradition established by Venerable Ajaan Sao Kantasilo and Venerable Ajaan Mun Bhuridatta. 


 
The details for the 2 Dhamma talks are as follows:

 

Date  : 12 & 16 February 2008 

Time : 8.00pm 

Venue : Meditation Hall, Level 3, 

Chedi Dhammasathit Building, Palelai Buddhist Temple 



 
Venerable Ajaan Chin will also be having his meals at PBT on 2 days while here in Singapore. Dhamma friends who wish to offer food Dana to the Venerable may take note of the following details:

 

Date  : 13 & 17 February 2008 

Time : 9.30am (13 Feb 08), 11.00am (17 Feb 08) 

Venue :   Dining Hall, Level 1,
 
Chedi Dhammasathit Building, Palelai Buddhist Temple 



 
Venerable Ajaan Chin will depart for Bangkok on 17 February 2008, 8.00pm. 


 
Please do not hesitate to contact PBT administrative staff, Mr Keith at 6443 3324 or myself at watpalelai@yahoo.com.sg should you require further clarifications with regards to this matter.


 
All are welcome to participate in these mertorious occasions.


Please see the road map below.





Feb 14
&
Feb 24 By Buddhist Fellowship Public Talk by Ajahn Brahm
 Metta : Love Heals 
Solving Problems 







Website:www.buddhistfellowship.org



Please see the road map below.







We urge members to obey traffic rules and not to cause obstruction to the residence around the vicinity.



All are welcome
Feb 15 Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple Let's begin a New Life



Email: rathanasarathero@hoptmail.com








 

Once we fall


Then we get up


We smile not knowing that we will cry


Pains are there though we get gains


Ups and downs make things change


Life is moving


Time is passing



 

Another circle of twelve months,


Has just started


It is the time to move 


From Dark to Light


From Light to Light



 

We all make mistakes but we can correct them


How to begin a New Life?

What are the Five Obstacles which stop you moving?

Why do you need Right Effort?

What are the four mental Faculties you need to begin a new life?




Come on Dhamma Friends


Let's Learn how to begin a New Life


On 

Date: 15th Friday February 2008

Time: 8:30 pm,


Venue: In Sri Lankaramaya  Buddhist Temple


Ven. K. Rathanasara invites you to share the Dhamma


All are welcome
Feb 21 Palelai Buddhist Temple Magha Puja Day or Sangha Day



Palelai Buddhist Temple (PBT) PBT would be commemorating Magha Puja Day also known as Sangha Day on 21 February 2008 (Thursday), 7.30pm.


 
Magha Puja commemorates the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 arahants in the Buddha's presence which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Lord Buddha at Veluvana Bamboo Grove, near Rajagaha in Northern India. One thousand of the gathered monks had previously achieved Awakening upon hearing the Buddha's delivery of the Fire Sermon; the remaining 250 were followers of the elder monks Venerable Moggallana and Venerable Sariputta. 


 
On that occasion, four miraculous events coincide:

1,250 enlightened disciples of the Buddha spontaneously gathered 

Every one of those enlightened disciples had been given monastic ordination personally by the Lord Buddha 

Those disciples knew to meet together without any previous appointment 

It was the full-moon day. 


To mark this auspicious gathering, the Buddha delivered the Ovada-Patimokkha Gatha, a summary of the main points of the Dhamma, which the Buddha gave to the assembly before sending them out to proclaim the doctrine.


 
Details of the Ovada-Patimokkha is available at http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai/lee/everyone.html


 
PBT would be commemorating this occasion with a candlelight procession by circumambulating the temple compound three rounds recollecting the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. This will be followed by the chanting of Protective Verses (Parittas), a short Dhamma talk and the transference of Merits.


 
The programme is as follows:


  Time Event
 
6.00pm  Evening Chanting & Requesting of 5-Precepts 
7.30pm  Candlelight Procession 
8.00pm  Paritta Chanting 
8.45pm  Dhamma Talk 
9.15pm  Transference of Merits & Blessings 
9.30pm  End of Celebration 




 
Please do not hesitate to contact PBT administrative staff, Mr Keith at 6443 3324 or myself at watpalelai@yahoo.com.sg should you require further clarifications with regards to this matter.


 
All are welcome to participate in these meritorious occasions.



Please see the road map below.








All are welcome
Feb 29
to
Mar 04 By Buddhist Fellowship MEDITATION RETREAT & DHARMA TALKS with VENERABLE KHEMAVARO 


Want to get serious about meditation? Ven Khemavaro will be in  
Singapore from 29 Feb to 6 March conducting the following program:



Meditation Retreat from 29th Feb evening – 4th March afternoon

(8  precepts & Noble Silence will be observed.)



The registration fee and venue will be confirmed at a later date.  
Kindly register your interest so that we have a good idea on the  
appropriate venue.



Ven Khemavaro will be giving 2 talks at the centre:

Date: Sunday, 2 March

Topic:Introduction to Meditation 


Date:Wednesday, 5 March

Topic: What is Buddhism?



Biography of Speaker
Venerable Khemavaro , born in Vietnam in 1966, moved with his family to live in California at age  of  9. He has a BA in Philosophy.After graduating, he worked as a financial  analyst and stockbroker in Bangkok, earning vast amounts of money and partying hard. When the stock market carshed, reality set in and he became interested in Buddhism and meditation. 


His monastic training started at Ajahn Chah's Wat Pa Nanachat ( International Forest Monastery ) in 1999 , and ordained in 2000. Venerable Khemavaro ( known as 'Tan Khema' to his monastic friends )  has been living at Bodhinyana Monastery for the past four years, mastering the refined art of concrete  mixing and cave building. 


Having completed his fifth Vassa as a bhikkhu, he is now becoming more involved in teaching the Dhamma.







All are welcome






 

 



 

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DATE	VENUE	ACTIVITIES
Jan 01 to Mar 23	Special Exhibitions Gallery, ACM Empress Place. By Asian Civilisations Museum	Exhibitions: On The Nalanda Trail: Buddhism in India, China and Southeast Asia During the past, many Asian countries interacted with each other through peaceful means via religion, trade and political missions. Many Chinese pilgrims went to India for Buddhist studies while Indian monks went to China to disseminate the faith. The footprints of Buddhist pilgrims can be seen over the Silk Road all along Central, northwest India as well as the Southeast Asia. Traversing India to modern Pakistan, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet, China, Korea and Japan, Java, Sumatra, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos - Buddhism not only affected the lives and cultures in those regions but also left us with a legacy in the arts and literature. This exhibition will highlight some of the significant landmarks in Buddhist history, through the travel records of the monks Faxian, Xuanzang, Yijing and the spread of Buddhism at centres of higher learning such as Nalanda in eastern India which was visited by many students from all over the Asian world. The exhibition will be illustrated and accompanied by a display of Buddhist art and artefacts borrowed from museums in India and Southeast Asia and will include some objects from the ACM’s own collection. Getting there: Directions ACM Empress Place is a 5-minute walk from the Raffles Place MRT station. Parking Public parking is available along Empress Place next to the Museum building; at the basement carpark of the New Parliament House, at Six Battery Road and at One Fullerton across from the Fullerton Hotel.
Jan 5 to Jan 26	Vipassana Meditation Centre (Singapore)	Meditation Course For Beginners Jan 2008 Once again ,Vipassana Meditation Centre (Singapore) is organising a four (4) sessions Meditation Course For Beginners and the details are as follow: Date : 5 , 12 , 19 & 26 Jan 08 (Sat) Time : 7.30pm to 9.30pm Teacher : Sayadaw U Pannananda Medium : Burmese / English Venue : 251 Lavender Street Fees : By DONATION For course details pls refer to the brochure as attached. To register pls fill in the application form as attached and send it to us via email vmckm@singnet.com.sg, mail or fax . Application opens now and closes on 31 Dec 07 or earlier if vacancies are taken up. Priority will be given to those who are on the waiting list. Successful applicants will be notified in person. May the blessing of the Triple Gems guide and protect you and your loved ones always. All are welcome
Jan 06	Singapore Buddhist Federation	Chinese Children Dharma Class Download form here All are welcome
Jan 06	By Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Center	Basic Buddhism Course. NEW CLASS STARTING IN JAN 2008! REGISTER ONLINE NOW! Date : Every Sunday from 6 Jan 2008 Time : 1pm - 3:30pm Instructor : Vajiro (Richard) Chia Venue : Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Center, 39 Geylang Lorong 12, Singapore 399012 Enquiry : 6746 6211 (9am - 5pm Daily) Fee : FOC. Registration : Online Registration Open [CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW] Introduction The Basic Buddhism Course is specially designed and tailored to suit the fast-paced and modern lifestyle. This 20-lesson-course skillfully balances theoretical study of DHAMMA with MEDITATION practice, providing a strong basis for understanding of BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS and a good foundation for mental development. It will greatly benefit both beginners as well as long-time practitioners. The course consists of three sections, namely BUDDHIST FUNDAMENTALS, MEDITATION and PALI CHANTING Buddhist Fundamentals The Buddhist fundamentals are structured to provide in-depth, intellectual framework for the understanding of the essentials of the BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS. Topics covered include: The definition of Evil, Good & Pure Life of the Buddha Four Noble Truths Noble Eight-Fold Path Dependent Origination Four Foundations of Mindfulness Karma & Rebirth as well as studying of major SUTTAS. Meditation Inclusive in the course are MEDITATION training sessions. Step-by-step meditation instructions & guidance will be given during the training. The techniques taught are: Metta - Loving Kindness Kayagati - Impurities of Body Jhana - Concentration Vipassana - Insight Pali Chanting Pali Chanting includes homage to the Buddha, Dharma & Sangha, offering (puja), as well as the traditional suttas: Mangala Sutta, Ratana Sutta, and Metta Sutta. The Course Instructor The course instructor, Richard (Vajiro) Chia, is an experienced Dhamma teacher who has a clear and straightforward approach to Buddha's teachings. He is able to bring out dynamism of Buddhism, and its relevance in present day. Vajiro is also well-known for his effective and efficient meditation instructions, having guided many through the levels of concentration and stages of insight knowledge. His coaching method has helped many students to REALISE the teachings of the Buddha. All are welcome
Jan 06	By Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Center	Basic Meditation Course. NEW CLASS STARTING IN JAN 2008! REGISTER ONLINE NOW! Date : Every Sunday from 6 Jan 2008 Time : 9.00 - 11.30am Instructor : Vajiro (Richard) Chia Venue : Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Center, 39 Geylang Lorong 12, Singapore 399012 Fee : FOC Registration : Online Registration Open [CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW] Introduction This course introduces meditation through 20 well-structured lessons that combined guided practices with basic understanding of meditation and its applications in daily life. How to Take Care of Your Mind? Who are You? How to Practice in Daily Life? Development of the Path Pre-Requisite This course is designed for students who have completed the Basic Buddhism Course. Students are expected to have the understanding of Buddhist fundamentals and have learned the basic technigues of meditation. New students are strongly encouraged to enrol in the Basic Buddhism Course. Class Format This class provides a condusive environment for group devotional and meditation practices in the following format: Puja and Chanting Guided Meditation Individual Pratices & Interviews Summary and Discussion Dedication of Merits Meditation Instructions This course introduces various meditation techniques in a systematic manner. Metta (Loving Kindness) and Kayanupassana (Contemplation of the Body) are introduced as prliminary practices. Students will then be guided through the levels of Concetration (Samatha) and introduced to various stages of Insight (Vipassana) knowledge. All are welcome
Jan 24 to Jan 27	By Buddhist Fellowship	Lunar New Year Special : Passage of Time Ajahn Brahm ******** Quek Hui Ling as Mother and Clara Monksfield as little Mei Lye ****** Loh Wen Jie as the matchmaker, Alvin Lee as Father ****** Neo Swee Lin as old Mei Lye ****** Malcom as The Doctor, Hui Leng as Mei Lye, Nick Shen as Eng ******** Passage of Time musical, back by popular demand, will be featuring Neo Swee Lin, Nick Shen and Ajahn Brahm as himself to share the wisdom on forgiveness and inner peace. A musical NOT TO BE MISSED! Tickets are available at the BF Centre. You can book either by phone or email and simply mail in your cheque. Tickets are $48, $38 and $28. Tickets are still available for the 25 Jan and 26 Jan (Sat matinee & evening) shows. The 27 Jan show is a charity night benefiting the Hua Mei Clinics for Seniors operated by the Tsao Foundation. Guest of Honor is Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health. Tickets start at $100. For every ticket purchased from now till the 8th December will come with a FREE 2008 Calendar with inspirational quotes provided by Ajahn Brahm worth $10! For the poster and mp3 trailer, click on trailer All are welcome
Jan 26 to Feb 09	By Norbu Choling Centre	Norbu Choling Centre 1st Anniversary Celebration 2008 The 19th Incarnation of Lochen Rinpoche in Singapore Norbu Choling Centre is a direct affliliate dharma centre of Kee Monastry of Spiti, India Biography of Rev. T.K. Lochen Tulku Rinpoche Rev. T.K. Lochen Tulku Rinpoche is the 19th incarnation of Lochen Rinchen Sangpo A post graduate in Sutra, Tantra and Buddhist Philosophy from the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, Dharamsala and other Monastic Universities, he is highly revered by the Himalayan people as a spiritual teacher, guide and philosopher. A renowned scholar and master of Buddhist philosophy and Buddhist Tantrayana, he is also a former member of the National Minorities Commission. Born in Shalkhar village of Kinnaur district in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, he runs monasteries in the western Indian Himalayas, and is revered by tens of thousands of disciples both in India and abroad. He was also the head of several prestigious organizations like the Buddhist Cultural Association, New Delhi, the Tashilumpo Monastic University, Karnataka, etc. He is the 19th incarnation of Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo who was instrumental in second diffusion of Buddhism in Tibet during the 9th and 10th Centuries. Traditionally he also belongs to the Tashi Lhunpo monastery at Shigatse in Tibet, where he ranks second only to the Panchen Lama. All are welcome