Sierra Friends of Tibet and Tibetech.org announces a rare visit by the present Abbot of Gaden Shartse Norling University exiled in India. Khen Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden was appointed Abbot by His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet in 2009.

Khen Rinpoche was born in the north Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. In 1979 he joined the prestigious GadenShartse Norling University in Mundgod, Karnataka, India and embarked on an extended course of Buddhist studies. Rinpoche studied under guidance of the great masters, attended debate meetings and religious discourses at various renowned Tibetan Buddhist monastic universities across the Indian subcontinent.

Earning special recognition in the Tibetan Buddhist community, Rinpoche studied Buddhist Logic and epistemology,  Pragyanaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom), Madhyamika (philosophy of the Middle Way School), Abhidharma (Treasury of Knowledge, metaphysics), and Vinaya (Buddhist monastic ethics).
In 1997 Rinpoche was awarded the prestigious degree of Geshe Lharampa, a degree often compared to a valedictorian PhD in western universities. Rinpoche subsequently joined the famed Gyuto Tantric University.

Gaden Shartse Norling University (Monastery) was first established in Tibet in 1409 and flourished as one of Tibet’s greatest monastic institutions. Following the destruction of Tibet's great monasteries Gaden was later re-established in exile in Mundgod, South India in 1959.

The abbots of the universities are selected and approved by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Abbots oversee all administrative and spiritual affairs of the entire college, including education, funds and religious affairs.

Rinpoche is fluent in English as well as five other languages and states that “by traveling abroad, meeting and exchanging views with people from diverse cultural, religious and social backgrounds, I enrich my own understanding of the meaning of life and common human problems. Being a graduate from a traditional Tibetan Buddhist academic system, speaking fluent English and Mandarin helps me greatly in assist people from diverse backgrounds through my counseling.”

Referred to as the "21st Century Monk" because of his understanding of global issues, Rinpoche has an excellent command of technology, runs his own blog site, Facebook presence and website: www.jangchupchoeden.org.

Rinpoche had briefly visited Nevada County in 2004 and was struck by the area’s unique sense of community and long term commitment to the Tibetan culture. “The Sierra Nevada is a place I will never forget in my life for its natural beauty and the kind, friendly and caring people. The love and friendship offered by all of you is irreplaceable by anything.” he says.

The following events have been scheduled to date. Please check back as schedule is subject to modification. For questions about specific event please contact the organizer under those events.

In addition to the schedule below, we are scheduling personal appointments with Khen Rinpoche. Please email Melanie at: tibetech@gmail.com or call 530-263-9960 with general questions.

All Events and Personal Consultations Are By Offering (Donation). No one is EVER turned away because they cannot make an offering. The Buddha Dharma is always offered and available free and without expectation. Please join us.  

Khen Rinpoche's NorCal Schedule

PLACERVILLE: 2 Events
Saturday, March 2Oth
Placerville Friends of Tibet
 

3:30 pm

Meeting with the PFOT
Call the host directly for info on this event.

Contact Tripp 530-748-936 eMail: tibet_placerville@yahoo.com

7pm Public Talk:

Care for the Sick, the Dying and the Dead.
Federated Church of El Dorado
1031 Thompson Way, Placerville
Call the host directly for info on this event. Contact Holly 530-622-3395

AUBURN: 1 Event
Sunday, March 21, 3pm:
Public Talk/Teaching:

The Eight Worldly- Concerns
AHmbiance
884 Lincoln Way, Auburn
530-885-9469 eMail: ahaa_info@yahoo.com

GRASS VALLEY/NEVADA CITY: 2 Events
Monday, March 22, 7pm:
Public Talk/Teaching:

A Talk on the Concept and Philosophy of Karma
St. Joseph's Cultural Center
410 S. Church Street, Grass Valley, CA
530-272-4725

Tuesday, March 23, 7pm:
Public Talk/Teaching:

Talk on Nirvana, A State Free from Suffering
Daggett Big Room.

Limited Attendance at this event.

Reservations necessary.

Call the host directly for info on this event: Suzie Daggett at 530-265-9255 or email suzie.daggett@gmail.com

Wednesday, March- 24th
Scheduling Individual Appointments
530-263-9960 or eMail: tibetech@gmail.com