Bristol, 17 November 2025: Geshe Lhakdor, Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA), delivered an engaging public talk on the power of compassion in navigating the challenges of modern life. The event, held at Hamilton House, drew nearly 100 Tibetans and non-Tibetans who gathered after work to hear his insights.
Emphasising universal human values such as warm-heartedness, kindness and compassion, Geshe Lhakdor explained complex Buddhist philosophical concepts through simple, relatable examples. He reminded the audience that genuine happiness comes from within and highlighted the importance of living in harmony with the law of interdependence — a balance he described as the “harmony of head and heart.”
A lively question-and-answer session followed the talk, with audience members asking about maintaining hope in today’s world, the relationship between compassion and justice, and the karmic causes of suffering. Geshe Lhakdor offered concise responses and concluded by urging everyone to “be a kind human being first,” drawing enthusiastic applause.
Several attendees had travelled from surrounding regions, including former students of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, who were delighted to reconnect with him.
As part of his UK speaking tour, the Office of Tibet, London, facilitated Geshe Lhakdor’s visit to Bristol, home to around 50 Tibetans. The event was organised locally by Bristol4Tibet.
Before the public talk, Geshe Lhakdor met separately with Tibetans from Bristol and nearby areas. Speaking in Tibetan, he gave an overview of the current situation inside Tibet, where language, religion and culture face increasing pressures, particularly through the expansion of Chinese colonial boarding schools. He stressed the importance of protecting Tibetan language and culture, especially among younger generations, and encouraged parents to speak Tibetan at home.
Despite the short duration of the visit, Geshe Lhakdor’s Bristol programme successfully reached a new audience beyond London.
On Tuesday, 18 November 2025, Geshe Lhakdor delivered Tibet House Trust’s Annual Talk for 2025, on the theme of compassion in London.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, London
