DHARAMSHALA: The second seminar of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon Tradition was held at Palpung Sherabling Monastery near Bir Tibetan settlement in Himachal Pradesh. The seminar was organised by Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration.

The chief guest at the inaugural ceremony was His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche, the spiritual head of Sherabling monastery. Kalon Pema Chhinjor of the Department of Religion and Culture was the special guest.

Over 200 monks including 15 scholars from monasteries based in India, Nepal and Bhutan took part in the three-day seminar.

Addressing the ceremony, Kalon Pema Chhinjor said: “We are glad to organise the second seminar of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon Tradition. Our primary objective for organising such seminars are to promote interaction and discussion among the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon tradition, and to encourage a culture of analysis and in-depth study of the texts and canons of Buddha’s teachings.”

Kalon Pema Chhinjor also applauded the role played by various spiritual teachers including Tai Situ Rinpoche in the preservation and advancement of Tibetan language and culture through Tibetan Buddhism.

His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche, in his address, expressed gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his exemplary leadership in reviving the rich culture of Tibetan Buddhism in India and abroad. He urged the Buddhist monks and scholars gathered at the seminar to utilise the three-day to enrich their spiritual knowledge and advance the flourish of the dharma for the welfare of the entire sentient beings.

The seminar of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon is an annual event organised by the Department of Religion and Culture for the preservation and promotion of Tibetan Buddhism, and to affirm harmonious relations between the different schools.