LEH: The two-day seminar on “Buddhist Philosophy and Its Practice”, jointly organised by the Department of Bhot Bauddh Darshan and the Department of Sampradaya Shastra of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (Deemed to be University), concluded at Sakti Village Community Hall after bringing together scholars, monks, students and local residents for an extensive exploration of Buddhist philosophy, ethics and spiritual practice.
The second day of the seminar featured six academic presentations covering the preservation of the Bhoti language, Buddhist philosophical doctrines, ethical conduct and practical aspects of Buddhist teachings. Each session was followed by interactive discussions, enabling students, teachers and members of the public to engage directly with the speakers.
The morning session, chaired by Dr. Tsultrim Gyatso, began with Dr. Orgyen Dhadul, who highlighted the importance of the Bhoti language in preserving and transmitting Buddhist teachings. Professor Lobsang Tsewang later examined the doctrine of Dependent Origination, discussing its philosophical foundations and relevance to Buddhist practice.
Lopon Shedrup Orgyen of Dragön Monastery delivered a presentation on the Seven-Limb Prayer, explaining its role in the accumulation of merit and spiritual purification, while Khenpo Shedrup Konchok addressed the ethical consequences of alcohol consumption and sexual misconduct from the perspective of Buddhist teachings. Dr. Tsultrim Gyatso concluded the session with a comprehensive summary of the deliberations.
The afternoon session, chaired by Professor Lobsang Tsewang, featured Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim, who spoke on the Four Means of Gathering Disciples and their role in guiding practitioners on the Buddhist path. Dr. Lobsang Tsultrim concluded the academic presentations with a lecture on the Seven-Branch Prayer, emphasising its significance in daily spiritual practice as a means of accumulating merit and purifying obscurations.
Organisers said nearly 300 participants attended the second day’s proceedings, including local residents of Sakti, teachers and students from educational institutions and monks from Chemdey Monastery, reflecting widespread community participation in the academic programme.
The closing ceremony commenced with the lighting of butter lamps before sacred images of the Buddha, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Lobsang Tsultrim.
Teachers from Sakti Konsal School and Jamyang School, along with a student representative from Chemdey Monastery, shared their reflections on the seminar, highlighting its educational and spiritual value.
Former Member of Parliament Rigzin Tsering described the seminar as a meaningful contribution to Buddhist education in the region, while Choekul Association President Tashi Dorje commended the organisers for promoting academic engagement with Buddhist philosophy.
Delivering the keynote closing address, Deputy Registrar of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Dr. Tsering Choldan, reflected on the academic and spiritual importance of the seminar and appreciated the participation of scholars, monastic representatives and the local community.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Khenpo Jamyang Kunsang on behalf of the organising committee, followed by a dedication of merit marking the formal conclusion of the two-day programme.
As part of the outreach activities, two students of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Rigzen Norbu and Dorje Chunu, presented a visual lecture on the Wheel of Life using projected slides at Sakti Community Hall on the evening of June 19. The presentation received an encouraging response from local residents.
