Friday, April 5, 2013

sleeping.

His face radiates with smile and he walks gently with a air of confidence and calmness. Khenpo Sordhagal appeared at the George Washington University to give a talk on the topic "The Tibetan code of Happiness".

 Khenpo is  one of the closest disciples of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok, a renowned
Tibetan Buddhist master, who has founded a massive Buddhist learning centres, known as Lhanrang Gam, a great learning Centre. After Kenchen Jigme passed away, his students continued to lead the institute. The reputation and good works of two disciples, including the one appeared was astounding.

Out of curiosity and also out of interest to learn more, I went to the talk. Tibetan and Chinese audience have filled in the hall. 

Khenpo spoke in Tibetan, and another American woman who speaks fluent Tibetan was his translator.

Khenpo's talk focused on the topic of happiness and even when one of the audience asked a question that hinges on political issue in Tibet, he prefers not to dwell on those issue.

His assertion  that Tibetans in many parts of the Tibet were happy and content, despite of their limited resources and development. It was contended by an audience that comparing to Tibet's physical development today , is far better than in several decades back, but yet comparatively the Tibetan are unhappy, and what is the reason for that.
Khenpo sensed that he has ruffled the feather of the Tibetan sentiment, and it was a little awkward and uneasy moment, where he suggested that the audience are not only Tibetans there are Chinese as well, which the translator has cleverly by passed. It is totally understandable, that the Khenpo can not jeopardize his career and the works he does back home, by  transgressing the purposed Chinese cautiou or warnings.
I wanted to ask him one questions, but didnt get the chance.
My questions goes like this.  Since Khenpo talked on the importance of avoiding attachment toward others as a way of obtaining happiness. I wonder if it is also way of abandoning attachement toward oneself, when people put themselves on fire, and by that way, is it right to say is a way of attaining happiness?

Khenpo has done a lots works in translating classic Tibetan scripture into Chinese, and he appears to have travelled and taught in several well known  universities in China.

Later on, i learned from a colleague, that several Tibetans have private audience with the Khenpo later in the evening at his residence. I am not sure what has transpired at the time, the most important is that the Tibetans in the U.S is so keen to interact with Khenpo.