Monk Talks the Talk

Non-violence, altruism and patience are some of the key aspects of Buddhism and one of the world's most qualified Buddhist teachers is coming to Rotorua to explain those principles.

Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Sonam Rinchen will give a free public talk at Rotorua's Princes Gate Hotel on Saturday. It is called "The Essentials of Buddhist Practice: non-violence, altruism and patience".

Eastern Bay of Plenty Dharma Group spokeswoman Adrienne Ranson said Buddhist monks rarely visited Rotorua and to have one the calibre of Geshe Sonam Rinchen was extremely fortunate.

"Geshe Sonam Rinchen is hugely qualified to teach on Buddhist ways of understanding the world. He is now around 77 years old and was born in Kham, Eastern Tibet and began his religious studies at the age of 12."

Ms Ranson said the topics of non-violence, altruism and patience were at the very foundation of Buddhist practice, as well as many other religions.

"In Buddhist philosophy, the virtue of not harming other beings, the virtue of altruism, whereby you learn to think and act for the welfare and happiness of others, and the virtue of patience in the face of adversity big and small, can enable and empower a person to lead the happiest of lives free from suffering."

She said non-Buddhists as well as Buddhists were welcome to attend and everyone was sure to gain useful information.

Geshe Sonam Rinchen will be accompanied by Geshe Sangyey Thinley, who is resident spiritual teacher at Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling Buddhist Centre in Whangarei.

Geshe Sonam Rinchen will be assisted by translator Mathew Whiston and attendant monk the Venerable Nyima.

Geshe Sonam Rinchen will give his talk that will be followed by a time for questions.

"However, because monks depend on the generosity of others, all donations towards costs will be gratefully accepted," she said.Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Sonam Rinchen will give a public talk at Rotorua's Princes Gate Hotel on Saturday February 19 from 9.45am-11.45am.