By ANGELA SIMONEAUX
asimoneaux@theadvocate.com
LAFAYETTE – Acadiana residents interested in Tibetan culture and the Buddhist philosophy may soon have a resource close to home.
Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche, abbot of the Mardo Tashi Chöling Monastery in Amdo, Tibet, has announced is plans to build a Tibetan Cultural Center in Acadiana.
Rinpoche directs the education and spiritual practice of 300 monks and 150 children and students at the monastery. He has studied for more than 20 years at monasteries and institutes in Tibet and has twice received the title of khenpo, which is equivalent to a doctor of philosophy in Buddhist philosophy.
The center will be called Katog Chöling and will offer workshops, lectures, performances and facilities for classes and instruction in philosophy, meditation, translation of sacred and ancient texts, sciences, art, music and dancing.
Rinpoche made his formal announcement at a Tuesday evening party, which included a performance by Rinpoche and Michael Doucet.
The first step is to find a good location, Rinpoche said.
The aim is to teach people about the Buddhist philosophy from a Tibetan cultural perspective, Rinpoche said through his interpreter, Paloma Landry.
“We will have teachings on how to meditate, and different practices, mostly the skillful method, on how to develop a kind-hearted intention,” Rinpoche said.
People will be able to take instruction in the Tibetan language, in translation, in astrology, Tibetan medicine, and in the singing, dancing and music of the culture.
“We will have a nice library, which will be a good resource for people to learn about the culture,” Rinpoche said.
These types of centers exist throughout the United States, but Rinpoche chose Acadiana for many reasons and because it is special.
“What I found here is it is always green, and I like that. And, I like the people here,” Rinpoche said. “There is something about them, the open-hearted warmth and love they have for each other, it is special. You don’t get that everywhere.”
Other places in the United States have a constant “busy” feeling, he said, while Acadiana is “more mellow.”
But Acadians have something more elemental in common with Tibetans, Rinpoche said. Tibetans also must work to preserve their culture.
“These days, Tibet is not its own entity,” he said, referring to China’s governmental control. “So when we look at Tibet, it doesn’t have its own power and freedom. Other than that, most people devote themselves to a spiritual life.”
That is why it is so important to create the centers, he said.
“There are many Tibetan people in Nepal, in India. They are scattered, so there is a wish to preserve the Tibetan and Buddhist traditions, the sciences, the studies, the language and so forth,” he said.
That is what the Cajuns and the Tibetans have in common, he said.
“Culture is so important to people here, and they like to experience other cultures,” Rinpoche said. “There is an enthusiasm for anything that has to do with that activity, because they are so involved in preserving their culture. I believe people will appreciate what we’re doing here, and take part in it.”
One doesn’t have to “convert” to Buddhism to benefit from its teachings, Rinpoche said.
“It is open for anyone, open to whoever would like to come and share, to partake, to see,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what they want to call themselves in terms of religion. It really doesn’t matter.”
The philosophy is presented as a way of living life with the aim of reaching a state of perfection and enlightenment, he said.
“It’s just a way of working on our minds to bring about happiness and joy in our present life,” Rinpoche explained. “This culture has a lot of psychologists, counselors, people like that. We have methods for working on our minds, of learning how to carry adversity onto the path.”
Rinpoche hopes Acadiana will enjoy the center.
“My hope is this will be a benefit to others,” he said. “If it benefits them, that’s what I want to do.”
More information on Rinpoche and the culture can be obtained by sending e-mail to lamainfo@earthlink.net, or visiting the Internet at http://www.orgyanshadrubling.com.
