CONWAY,
Ark. (October 10, 2016) – Hendrix College will host “Chanting, Contemplation
and Inspiration: An Experiential Journey with the Nechung Oracle, Advisor to
the Dalai Lama” Saturday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m., in Reves Recital Hall in
Trieschmann Fine Arts Building.
The
event will feature a presentation by the State Oracle of Tibet, the Venerable
Thubten Ngodup, who will be accompanied by Lama Tenzin Choegyal and seven monks
from Nechung Monastery.
In
this special event, Lama Tenzin Choegyal will offer a brief introduction to
guests and to the chants they will offer, and he will facilitate an
introduction by the Venerable Thubten Ngodup (Kunten-la) to Tibetan
contemplative practice.
Following
this, attendees are invited to participate in a wide-ranging question and
answer session.
The
program is co-sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Program in Asian Studies, the
Marshall T. Steel Center, and the Miller Center for Vocation, Ethics, and
Calling.
For
more information, contact Hendrix religious studies professor Dr. Bill Gorvine
at gorvine@hendrix.edu or 501-450-3820.
About Venerable Thubten
Ngodup
Born
in eastern Tibet in 1958, the Venerable Thubten Ngodup escaped from his
homeland during the Cultural Revolution in 1966. Arriving in Dharamsala in
India, he became a monk at the age of 12 at Nechung monastery, an institution
that has been closely affiliated with the Tibetan Government and the succession
of Dalai Lamas for centuries and was being reestablished in exile at this time.
It is especially known for its long-standing relationship with Dorje Drakden, a
spiritual protector of both the Buddhist tradition and the Dalai Lamas in Tibet
who has made his presence felt through officially recognized mediums since at
least the 17th century.
At
Nechung monastery in exile, Thupten Ngodrup came to serve as the chief ritual
assistant for the previous Nechung medium, attending him during his trance
states. Three years after the passing of his predecessor, Thubten Ngodup
entered into his first spontaneous trance during Drepung Monastery’s annual
offering ceremony to the protector in 1987, after which HH the Dalai Lama
confirmed his selection as the next “kuten” or “physical basis.”
Since
his formal enthronement in 1988, Kuten-la himself (as he is known) has been
especially charged with supporting, protecting and advising HH the Dalai Lama,
and he is also sought out regularly by Tibetan laity for blessings, protection
and healing.
Kuten-la
is currently building a monastery in Outer Mongolia that will include a school
and health clinic attached to the monastic construction, in order to serve
local communities in this area. Donations and honoraria collected during his
current travels will support this project.
About Hendrix College
Hendrix
College is a private liberal arts college in Conway, Arkansas. Founded in 1876
and affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884, Hendrix is featured
in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change
the Way You Think about Colleges and is nationally recognized in numerous college
guides, lists, and rankings for academic quality, community, innovation, and
value. For more information, visit www.hendrix.edu.