Voices from Larung Gar: Shaping Tibetan Buddhism for the Twenty-First Century

Gayley (Love Letter from Golok), religious studies professor at the University of Colorado, brings together writings from the Tibetan Buddhist Larung Gar academy that offer compassionate and progressive perspectives on social, ethical, and political issues confronting Buddhists. In an essay about preserving Tibetan culture, Larung Gar founder Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok advocates maintaining a good heart and intent, and concern for other beings. Chökyi Gyaltsen, the 10th Panchen Lama, discusses the ubiquitous sins of telling lies and using divisive speech, and the need to embrace morality. Khenpo Tsultrim Lodrö writes about eliminating cruelty toward animals and the virtues of vegetarianism. In another essay, Lodrö weighs in on modern science’s role in the debate about Buddhist concepts of rebirth and reincarnation, arguing scientific attempts to disprove them have been inconclusive. Nun Khenmo Rigzin Chödrön considers the importance of women’s rights in education and women’s need for more financial independence. Gayley’s lengthy introductions situate each essay within Buddhist academic study and provide plentiful references for further reading. Buddhist readers will be lifted by the unquestioned optimism for human achievement and potential in the future in Larung Gar teachings. (Apr.)