Robert Thurman - "The Life and Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa"

"The Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa" - Robert Thurman

A part of "The Life and Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa" presented by Tse Chen Ling in conjunction with Tibet House US and Sacred Stream.

This event was held at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco on March 13, 2019

It is generally accepted that the three greatest contributors in the annals of Tibet were Guru Padmasambhava, Atisha and Je Tsongkhapa, all of whom appeared when a great teacher was needed. Professor Thurman, who held the Je Tsongkhapa chair at Columbia University for many years, will explain the Buddha’s enlightenment and the philosophical clarity that Je Tsongkhapa brought to the mind training systems disseminated through monastic and meditative traditions of Tibet.

In this talk, in the 600th anniversary year of Je Tsonkhapa’s enlightenment, Robert Thurman will expand upon his memorable exposition on the life of Je Tsonkhapa: “We should strive to emulate Tsongkhapa’s peerless progress along the path. To hear as many teachings as possible and never to be satisfied with less than ultimate knowledge as the most important lessons that can be applied in life. It is imperative to appreciate and work towards the peerless goal of wishing to achieve enlightenment in order to help every other sentient being do exactly the same. Je Rinpoche’s example of scriptural learning and meditative application taken as a unified path show the essence of Buddha’s intent and the truly quick method of achieving enlightenment.“

About Robert AF Thurman

Robert A.F. Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, President of the Tibet House U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization, and President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic and scientific treatises from the Tibetan Tengyur.

Time chose Professor Thurman as one of its 25 most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.” The New York Times recently said Thurman “is considered the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism.”

Thurman is a riveting speaker and an author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics and culture, including "The Central Philosophy of Tibet," "Circling the Sacred Mountain," "Essential Tibetan Buddhism," "The Tibetan Book of the Dead," "Why The Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World," and, most recently, with Sharon Salzberg, "Love Your Enemies."

As part of his long-term commitment to the Tibetan cause, at the request of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Thurman co-founded Tibet House US in 1987 with Tenzin Tethong, Richard Gere, and Philip Glass. Tibet House US is a non profit organization in New York City dedicated to the preservation and renaissance of Tibetan civilization. It maintains a lively museum and cultural center, and offers programs in all aspects of the Tibetan arts and sciences.

Inspired by his good friend the Dalai Lama, Thurman stands on Buddhism’s open reality, and thence takes us along with him into an expanded vision of the world, whether the sweep of history, the subtleties of the inner science of the psyche, or the wonders of the life of the heart. He always shares the sense of refuge in the Dharma, which unfailingly helps us clear away the shrouds of fear and confusion, sustains us with the cheerfulness of an enriched present, and opens a door to a path of realistic hope for a peaceful future.

"The Life and Legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa"

Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357- 1419) was one of the greatest figures in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the founder of the Gelug tradition.

The year 2019 marked the 600th anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa's parinirvana. To celebrate this, Tse Chen Ling offered a 14-month long series of programs that celebrated the life and lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa. These programs reflected the core teachings and unique features of the Gelug tradition.

For details please visit:
TseChenLing.org/Tsongkhapa600.html

This event was cosponsored by Tibet House US and the funds will go to Tibet House US ands its support of the preservation of Tibetan culture and wisdom.

For more information on Tibet House US please visit:
https://tibethouse.us