PORT TOWNSEND — A Tibetan Buddhist master will make two appearances this weekend, one geared toward novices and another for those who are practiced in the religion.
Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche will teach about “Universal Compassion and Tibetan Buddhism” from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today.
A teaching about the “37 Practices of the Bodhisattva” is from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday.
Both take place at the Rosewind Common House between 35th and Umatilla streets.
Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
“We don’t realize that a lot of what we do and say creates a condition of our suffering,” said Padma Yong Chedtso, a teacher of Tibetan Buddhism who is hosting the event.
“The first teaching will show people how to live a happier life themselves, while the second teaching is for people who are already studying Buddhism and want to benefit everyone,” Yong said.
Chedtso said having a “reincarnated master” speak locally benefits the neighborhood.
“Everyone wants to be happy; that’s a basic human desire,” she said.
“These teachings can show people how to do this, by showing them how to emulate compassion and not anger.”
Born in a tent to nomadic parents in Eastern Tibet, Rinpoche has received teachings from 30 masters in all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
A Chod Master, shamanistic healer and astrologer as well as the founder of Tibetan Zen and author of 13 books, he moved to Seattle in 2002 and has taught Buddhism and Tibetan culture throughout the U.S. since then, according to a news release.
His recognition as a Tulku, or reincarnated master, came later in life after he already had spent years diligently studying the Dharma in Tibetan and Indian monasteries.
His autobiography, A Modern Liberation Odyssey, details his life under Communist rule as a young boy and his eventual goal to attend a Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
It was published in 2012, and a second book in English, Tibetan Zen, is coming soon, Chedtso said.
For more information, email jkkumekawa@gmail.com.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
