Teachings in Southern India

On 11 April 2017 His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche left Dharamshala, for teachings programmes in southern India. On the way, on 12 April 2017, as pre-arranged appointments, His Eminence Rinpoche spared time for meetings with dignitaries in New Delhi.

On 13 April 2017 His Eminence Rinpoche arrived at Krishnamurti Foundation, Bangalore, and in the evening, as organised by the Foundation’s Study Centre, His Eminence Rinpoche had a discussion with the Foundation’s teachers, staff members, and those from Bangalore who are interested in Krishnamurti’s philosophy; His Eminence Rinpoche also answered questions from the participants. Also, as His Eminence Rinpoche usually does so when at the Foundation, His Eminence answered questions during meal-time in the Foundation’s dining room.

In the morning of 15 April 2017 His Eminence Rinpoche left Krishnamurti Foundation, and arrived at Sera Je Monastery, at noon.

At prior request of Sera Je Tsawa Khangtsen, from 17 April 2017 till 23 April 2017, His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche gave daily teachings on Jey Tsongkhapa’s text The Concise Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, known also as The Stages of the Path, in Experiential Song. At the start of each day’s teachings, His Eminence Rinpoche cited a verse each from former sublime teachers, and advised on the need to set altruistic motive and appropriate conduct in listening to the sublime teachings, as instructed from The Stages of the Path of Enlightenment. At the conclusion of the final day’s teaching, His Eminence Rinpoche gave advice on the need to do well studies on the major texts, and that one needs not let learning, reflection and meditative familiarisation become disjoined, rather they need to be done together inseparably.

At the prior request of Sera Je Secondary School, from 25 April 2017 till 27 April 2017, His Eminence Rinpoche gave teachings on śramaṇera (ordained novice) precepts, based on Jey Tsongkhapa’s text rnam-ste-ldeṅ-ma (Namtsedengma; [A Text written at] Namtsedeng). His Eminence Rinpoche also touched upon extensively in general the ways of practicing ordained ones’ ethics, the areas where lapses are occurring in the practice of Vinaya guidelines. On the final day of these teachings, His Eminence Rinpoche gave guidance advice. Those who specifically received the teachings were sangha members from Sera Je Secondary School, Sera Mey School, Zongkar Chode Monastery, and many other sangha members.

In the evening of 27 April 2017 His Eminence Rinpoche left Sera Je Secondary School, and via Delhi, arrived at Dharamshala, in the evening of 29 April 2017.