Asanga Vajra Rinpoche Visits London Sunday School for Tibetan Language and Culture

London: Asanga Vajra Sakya Rinpoche visited the Sunday School for Tibetan Language and Culture in London on 9 February 2025, at the request of the Office of Tibet.

The weekend school, affiliated with the Tibet House Trust of the Office of Tibet, organised a gathering in honour of Rinpoche’s visit. The event began with the singing of the Tibetan national anthem, followed by a brief prayer service to mourn the passing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s elder brother, Kalon Trisur Gyalo Thondup.

During the morning session, a short clip of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings was shown to the students, followed by the recital of Tibetan verses by three students, each representing a class, to showcase their proficiency in the Tibetan language.

Under Secretary Tenzin Zeydhan, secretary of the Tibet House Trust and the Sunday School’s administrator, welcomed Rinpoche and provided a brief introduction to his life. She also presented an overview of the school and its faculty in her introductory remarks.

Following that, Representative Tsering Yangkyi spoke to the students, sharing insights on the significance of preserving the unique Tibetan identity and the vital role that Sunday schools play in maintaining Tibetan religion and culture abroad. She emphasised the responsibility of parents and families to speak Tibetan at home.

In his keynote address, Asanga Vajra Rinpoche commended the parents for bringing their children to school on weekends, a time typically reserved for rest and recreation. Rinpoche stressed the importance of both education and moral conduct in leading a meaningful life. Quoting from the Sakya Legshe, he stated, “When one possesses good qualities, all people naturally gather around, just as bees swarm like clouds around sweet-smelling flowers, even from afar.” Rinpoche encouraged the students to study diligently, emphasising that education enables them to contribute meaningfully to the broader Tibetan cause.

After Rinpoche’s profound address, teacher Kunsang delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the parents’ committee. Rinpoche then visited each of the three classes, engaging with the students. The program concluded with a lunch reception hosted by the Office of Tibet, London.

-Report filled by Office of Tibet, London