His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche at Wardha, Maharastra

His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche inaugurates discourse on “Science and Spirituality”, at Wardha January 2, 2015

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche inaugurated the discourse on “Science and Spirituality” at the Institute of Gandhian Studies, Wardha, central India.

Rinpoche thereafter gave talks from Buddhist perspective for three consecutive sessions, emphasizing at the start the importance of using one’s native language, and how foreign languages influence one’s thinking and manners. Rinpoche explained the understandings of “Spirituality” and “Science”, the two varying views as regards whether or not the two can go parallel, the aims and limits of the two, and other issues.

During the sessions Rinpoche answered the numerous questions from the participants, who comprise of students from many states of India, and many scholars from Wardha.

A public talk at Wardha
January 3, 2015
His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche gave a public talk, in Hindi, on “Reflections on non-violence as means for struggle for Autonomous Tibet”, at Gandhi’s Sevagram Ashram.

Rinpoche pointed out that Tibet’s isolation had both advantage and disadvantage: The advantage was that it was not tainted by modern civilization; the disadvantage was that it could not let itself known to the world at large, resulting in the present situation.

Going through the historical events, Rinpoche explained that although since ancient times Tibet was in equal standing with powerful countries like India, China and Russia, but starting from 1951 it was annexed forcibly, and so forth. To let know Tibet’s autonomy, Rinpoche gave a brief introduction on Tibet, and outlined the geographical formation of the Tibetan plateau, historical relation with India, race, languages and scripts, translations. When talking on political situation, Rinpoche as well explained the various violent (advocated by others) and non-violent movements, how the struggle movement of the Tibetan is non-violent; the talk touched upon self-immolations inside Tibet.

At the conclusion, Rinpoche urged the general public of India to continue supporting Tibet’s cause. For the benefit of those who could only understand English, Rinpoche then spoke in English, summarizing the key points of the talk. At the end Shri Thakur Kaka gave the Thank-you speech.

The large gathering of people who attended the talk included educationists and scholars around Wardha, students, and others.

A talk at the Tri-annual conference, Wardha
Jauary 3, 2015
This afternoon Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche gave a talk at the ongoing Tri-annual conference of Acharyakul, Duttpur, Wardha, Maharastra.

Rinpoche pointed out: The ability to speak and possessing intelligence make humans distinct from animals, education is needed for these distinct features; the real meaning of education; the importance of Acharyas (Teachers) for a real education; the Acharyas should abide by the three trainings (ethics, meditative concentration and wisdom); the great dangers from the conflicts taking place around the world; in such a situation the responsibilities of Acharyas increase the more.
Rinpoche also spoke on the situation of Tibet, and answered the numerous questions.At the end the Chairman of the Acharyakul gave the Thank-you! speech.