Kathmandu.The Department of Bhot Buddhist Studies at Lumbini Buddhist University, in association with its Sangha Welfare Committee, held a one-day program to commemorate the Parinirvana of the revered Buddhist master and scholar Gampopa (Dakpo Lhaje, 1079–1153 CE).
The event, coordinated by Dr. Nyima Sherpa, Head of Department, blended academic deliberations with traditional Tibetan Buddhist rituals, attracting around 150 participants, including monastic students, faculty, and members of the Trangu Vajra Vidya Buddhist Association (Canadian Temple Lumbini).
The academic component featured two biographical presentations on Gampopa, one in English by Venerable Tenzin Norbu Lama and another in Tibetan by Venerable Tsewang Norboo, offering insights into his life, teachings, and seminal text The Jewel Ornament of Liberation (Mokṣālaṅkāra). The sessions ensured accessibility to both Nepali and international participants.
The event was attended by senior academicians of the University like Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya (Dean, Faculty of Buddhist Studies), Dr. Nir Bahadur Gurung (Campus Chief), Dr. Fanindra Neupane (Former Campus Chief), Dr Sharda Poudel, Associate Professor, Dr Sagar Neupane along with Prof. Arvind Kumar Singh, Professor, ICCR Chair (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair for Buddhist Studies), and other faculty members and staffs.
Dean of Faculty of Buddhist Studies and Chief Guest of the event Dr. Manik Ratan Shakya commended the organizers and reaffirmed the university’s support for similar scholarly programs. Monks and nuns from the Trangu Vajra Vidya community donated specialized texts on Gampopa to the Central Library, enhancing the university’s academic resources.
Venerable Geshe Yeshe Dorjee, President of the Sangha Welfare Committee, shared the program’s origins and acknowledged sponsorship from Venerable Tulku Damcho Rinpoche, Chairman of Thrangu Tara Abbey, with facilitation by Venerable Karma Dolma. Contributors to the annual student publication Garden of Knowledge were also honored.
The devotional section included a 45-minute collective prayer for world peace, circumambulation of the Prajna Stupa with Gampopa’s portrait, and distribution of blessed offerings.
The commemoration reflected Lumbini Buddhist University’s commitment to integrating rigorous academic study with living Buddhist traditions, preserving the spiritual and scholarly legacy of great masters like Gampopa.
