We are priviiged to announce two Dharma talks with Karma Lekshe Tsomo PhD on Thursday June 2nd and Friday June 3rd. Lekshe is one of the most qualified people we have ever invited, as a speaker known world wide, a US University professor, prolific author and organiser of the Sakyadhita Conference for Buddhist Women
There is no charge for either event, and you don’t need to reserve in advance. Donations are accepted, and the sandwiches are eaten on a ‘first arrive’ basis!
Thursday 2ndJune
at Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel
“Crisis as Opportunity”
6:30 – 8:15 pm
Humanity today faces many urgent challenges: the economy crisis, global warming, continuing conflicts, new diseases, natural disasters, and the stress of living in an unpredictable world. How can we learn to maintain equanimity amidst chaos and integrate the Buddha’s teachings in daily activities? How can we act as resources of understanding and compassion for lay followers navigating troubled waters? This presentation introduces the Buddhist teachings on transforming all circumstances to the path of Dharma.
Friday 3rd June
At Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel
“Deep Listening Skills”
6:30 – 8:15 pm
‘Mindfulness’ is the current watchword in psychology, and yet it is not just for patients – counsellors are now being trained in mindfulness too. In counseling situations and everyday life, it is useful to develop deep listening skills, taking time to listen mindfully to ourselves and others. Through careful and caring listening, we are able to develop deeper trust, empathy, and connection bringing our full attention and presence to listening to another person, without judgment, comparison, or response. We will also learn to be mindful of our feelings during difficult conversations.
About the Speaker
While on a trip in India, Lekshe heard the teachings of Dalai Lama. She was convinced that she wanted to become a nun, and dedicate her life to service. Except for one problem: no monastery would accept her, because she was a woman.
So, Karma Lekshe started her own nunnery in the Himalayas and sure enough, became a Buddhist nun.
Today, decades later, she has drastically altered Buddhism’s view of women. As a PhD in comparative philosophy, author of several books, founder of a Himalayan nonprofit, professor at University of San Diego, president of International Association of Buddhist Women, Karma Lekshe is actively involved in interfaith dialogue and grassroot initiatives for empowerment of women.
Professor Tsomo received a B.A. in Oriental Languages (Japanese/Chinese) from the University of California, Berkeley; an M.A. in Asian Studies, an M.A. in Religion (Asian), and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Hawai‘i, Manoa. In addition, she studied at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives and the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Dharamsala, India for 15 years. Since 2000 she has been an Associate Professor at the University of San Diego.
Scholarly and Creative Work
Professor Tsomo’s doctoral research focused on death and identity in China and Tibet. She is the author of Sisters in Solitude: Two Traditions of Monastic Ethics for Women and Into the Jaws of Yama, Lord of Death: Buddhism, Bioethics, and Death. Click here for all the titles by Lekshe Tsomo
She has produced several educational videos: “Sacred Ground: Consecrating a Village Temple in Spiti Valley,” “Women in Buddhism: Unity and Diversity,” and “Living and Dying in Buddhist Cultures.” Directions for this event:
Directions
Could not be easier – go down Sukhumvit Soi One, right to the end, and Ariyasom is on the left.
Click the map for an even larger view (note that this map is proportional to actual distance, and has North at the top. It is less than a 10 minute walk from Ploen Chit BTS Station on Sukhumvit One
