Based on a report submitted by Sonam Sherpa

NEW YORK, June 26: World-renowned Buddhist master and author of the best-selling book; The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Sogyal Rinpoche gave a public talk and teaching to an exclusive gathering of 300 Tibetans, Bhutanese, Sikkimese and other members from the Himalayan community of New York and New Jersey on June 23.

Rinpoche’s two hour long talk dealt with topics ranging from practicing Buddhism in the modern day to heartfelt advices to the community about practicing loving-kindness and the preservation of their shared traditional culture.

Speaking in both Tibetan and English, the talk was well received by the audience, particularly by the younger lot. 17-year-old Tenzin Pesang, a Tibetan born in the US said, “Rinpoche’s way of speaking was so clear and direct and with a great sense of humor that I really enjoyed the talk and learned a lot.”

American actor Michael Imperiolli and Prince Palden Namgyal of Sikkim were also among the audience.

Organised by VajraTV, a Buddhist Television company based in New York and supported by individuals from the local Tibetan and Himalayan communities, the event followed Rinpoche’s talks and teachings in other cities on his current US tour.

Thupten N Chakrishar, the founder and CEO of VajraTV said, “ I, along with my co-organisers felt that it was very timely and important to invite Sogyal Rinpoche for two reasons. Firstly, the Tibetans are passing through a very difficult time as there are self-immolations happening inside and outside of Tibet. So we felt that it is the right time to seek solace in Dharma and to harness our strengths to face and encounter the difficulties that our Tibetan community experiences. Secondly, we wanted to bring the Tibetans and the Himalayan communities under one roof to enrich and strengthen our bonds through Tibetan Buddhism so that we can understand each other better and work together in creating a very vibrant and genuinely caring community.”

Besides the teachings, Sogyal Rinpoche also commented on recent events in Tibet and urged Tibetans not to lose hope and not to feel disheartened despite the sufferings.

Sogyal Rinpoche has taught all over the world for more than three decades. Rinpoche is also the founder and spiritual director of Rigpa – a Buddhist organisation with centers in more than 20 countries.