Americans have been practicing Tibetan Buddhism for over 40 years, and tonight one of the remaining masters to have been trained in Tibet before the Chinese takeover will speak at Ohio University.
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche is a highly regarded lama in the world of Tibetan Buddhism. The word lama
which means unsurpassable parent is the Tibetan Buddhist version of a reverend.
This is one of Rinpoche's last national tours because he is 85 years old, said Lama Kathy Wesley, a student of Rinpoche since 1977 and practice coordinator at the Columbus Karma Thegsum Choling, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation center.
He has an amazing moral strength and his advice feels like that of a trusted family member
Wesley said.
Although some see Rinpoche as an old, venerable lama, Wesley says he is just like anyone else. He enjoys watching epic movies such as Lord of the Rings and his favorite sport is boxing.
Wesley is happy to see Buddhist concepts in pop culture, like the dharma initiative being mentioned in the show Lost and the name Padme in Star Wars. She also mentioned Richard Gere and the Beastie Boys as some famous practicing Buddhists.
Rinpoche fled Tibet in 1959 because the Communist Chinese were making political and religious changes to the country, Wesley said. He came to the United States with a plan to establish Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
Rinpoche also founded Wesley's monastery in Columbus. Wesley has been trained as a retreat lama, and now has students of her own, including some in Athens.
Stephen Kropf is a member of the small Tibetan Buddhist community that was started in Athens five years ago. They meet Sundays at 47 Ohio Ave.
Buddhism is good about not demanding things
he said, adding that Buddhists help people by dealing with the mind through meditation.
Meditation is what is practiced in the basis of everything
Wesley said to an Introduction to Buddhism class Thursday. You can change your experience if you change your mind.
Rinpoche will speak at 7 tonight in the Baker Center Theater.
lm848906@ohiou.edu
3
Culture
Lauren Mikolay
29189a.jpg
