Dholanji, Himachal Pradesh: The Department of Religion and Culture in collaboration with Menri Bon Monastery organised the fourth Non-Sectarian discussion at Menri Bon Monastery in Dolanji Himachal Pradesh on 4 June 2019.
Kalon Karma Yuthok of Department of Religion and Culture was the chief guest and Yangtoen Thinley Nyima Rinpoche, master of Menriling monastery was the special guest.
Also present at the event was Nyima Dhondup Rinpoche, Additional Secretary Dawa Tsultrim of the Department of Religion and Culture and other staff. Apart from that, there were 11 scholars from different monasteries and a total no of 60 monks and nuns who attended the event.
The Joint Secretary of Yundrung Bon Administration gave a brief introduction about Menriling monastery. Following which, special guest Yangtoen Thinley Nyima Rinpoche addressed the gathering about secular ethics and further mentioned about various discussions on philosophies held amongst different sects of Tibetan Buddhism under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Kalon Karma Yuthok acknowledged and appreciated all the sponsors and facilitators for their generous support particularly the Menriling monastery for hosting the event.
Kalon further lauded the accomplishments of different religious sects in regard to preserving and promoting Tibet’s distinguished religion in such a short span of time.
Within that short period of time, major monastic centers were reestablished and many teaching agendas and practices from earlier times in Tibet were also brought in. In fact, Kalon even noted that some monasteries in exile are much developed than what it used to be in Tibet.
“In the last 60 years, our ancestors and seniors have done incredible services in the preservation of Tibetan religion and culture and for that, it is important to remember and honor them”implored Kalon Karma Yuthok.
While acknowledging the success story of Tibetans in exile Kalon also acquainted about the downside of the present situation such as the declining number of monks in monasteries which poses a great concern.
In such a case, Kalon advised focussing on the existing number of monks in delivering quality health and lifestyle to them. Kalon further declared that the monastery and CTA are committed to the welfare of the monks and nuns.
Kalon also highlighted the aims and objectives of the unbiased/secular discussion and the importance of the discussion thereafter.
Additional Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture Dawa Tsultrim delivered a vote of thanks.
The four-day non-sectarian discussion and debate will be held from 4 to 7 June 2019. The discussion is attended by 11 scholars of different sects of Tibetan religion.
After the event, Kalon Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok addressed the public of the settlement.