Dharamshala: To promote intellectual exchange and to progress inter-religious studies in Tibetan monasteries under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Department of Religion and Culture organised the first non-sectarian debate in 2015 at Gyuto monastery and subsequent debates at Palpung Sherabling monastery (2016), Sakya college (2018) and Menri Bon Monastery (2019).
The 5th sequel of the non-sectarian debate was commenced at Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery on 16 June, lasting till 19 June, following two years of the Covid pandemic.
Secretary Chime Tseyang of the Department of Religion and Culture attended the inaugural ceremony of the four-day debate as chief guest along with special guest Gyang Khang Chotrul Rinpoche, the Head Abbot of Namdroling Monastery. The event was also attended by the Chief Representative Officer of South Zone, Settlement Officers of Dekyi Larso and Lugsam, and 61 monk and nun participants from 31 different monasteries and nunneries.
The speakers of the discourse consist of 13 monks and 4 nuns representing each school and sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
The venue: Namdroling Monastery was founded by Kyabjé Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche in 1963. The monastery contains a monks’ quarter, nunnery, study centre, school and meditation centre for the 2,800 enrolled monks and nuns. In addition, the monastery imparts primary Tibetan language education to high-level Sutra and Tantra studies.
-Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture, CTA