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Special events with Bhikkhuni Karma Lekshe Tsomo

Compassion and Social Justice
Monday 27th July (Ekkamai)

The Simple Life – Monasticism in a World of Consumers
Thursday 30th (Ariyasom)


Overview:

One of our regular and most appreciated guest speakers returns for a few days. Karma Lekshe is a Bhikkhuni (ordained nun) in the Tibetan Lineage. Her Biography and publications speak for themselves (see below)

Talks are free of charge, donations to travelling expenses are welcome. No need to book in advance. Just turn up with your friends.

karma-lekshe-indus

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    Monday 27th July: 
As a lifelong campaigner for social justice, and womens rights – especially in the Buddhist world – Ven. Lekshe will talk on how and where the Buddhist world emerges from a sheltered world of recluses and meditators, and becomes engaged in the world. When does a teaching of compassion move beyond forgiveness and understanding, and take action?

Compassion and Social Justice‘ is at our Ekkamai meditation center in Bangkok, from 7-8:30pm

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  Thursday 30th July:
This day is a national holiday for Asalha Puja, and one of the most important holidays int he Buddhist calendar. The day marks the Buddha’s first sermon, on the Four Noble Truths. It also marks the beginning of a special ‘Vassa’ period (sometimes called ‘Buddhist Lent’) where many lay and monastic Buddhists enter a temple for 3 months for special trainings. How relevant is a monastery training to the modern life of consumerism?

The Simple Life – Monasticism in a World of Consumers‘ is at Ariyasom Boutique Hotel, Bangkok, from 6:30-8:20pm

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karma lekshe photos

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About our special guest:

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.” click here for a full bio

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Venues

Monday: Walk from Exit one Ekkamai BTS Station about 4 minutes. At the second soi on the left you will see Bourbon St. Restaurant – we’re next to that. Come up to the top floor.

apartments-meditation-studio

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ThursdayAriyasom Villa is a beautiful boutique hotel and high class vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Bangkok. Head down Sukhumvit Soi one to the end of the soi and the hotel is there by the canal. Head out of Exit 3 at Ploen Chit BTS Station. It’s a 10 minute walk, or a couple of minutes by motorcycle on Suk Soi 1 (plus a few months off your life span!)
Click the image for a larger version:

Ariyasom -with-expressway

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