Kathmandu. Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU), the only Buddhist University of Nepal, had the honour of welcoming Shangpa Rinpoche, one of the most revered Buddhist yogis associated with the sacred site of Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa, for an interaction with the faculty, staff, and students of the University.
Shangpa Rinpoche born in Dolpa District in Nepal, whose previous incarnation was born near Tashilhunpo in Tibet at the end of the nineteenth century, was a disciple of the 15th Gyalwa Karmapa, Kakyab Dorje (1871-1922), the head of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. After years of intense meditation, Rinpoche began travelling across the Himalayan region, dedicating his life to revitalising Buddhism in the Tibetan-Nepalese borderlands. His contributions include rebuilding several important monasteries in Nepal, including the renowned Sandul Gompa near Tarakot, as well as establishing temples, stupas, and a nunnery near the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath–Chumig Gyatsa.
The visit was coordinated by Dr. Nyima Sherpa, Head of the Department of Bhot Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Buddhist Studies at LBU. The primary objective of Rinpoche’s visit was to engage with the University’s academic community and explore avenues for promoting LBU’s diverse academic programs—ranging from Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses to Doctoral studies in various Buddhist disciplines.
The interaction took place at the office of the Dean, Faculty of Buddhist Studies, where Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, Dean, extended a warm welcome to Rinpoche on behalf of the University, offering a traditional Khataka. Dr. Shakya provided a brief overview of LBU’s history and vision, while Dr. Dayanidhi Gautam, Campus Chief, highlighted the University’s key programs, including BA in Buddhist Studies, Bachelor in Geshe Buddhist Studies, Bachelor in Bhot Buddhist Studies, MA in Theravada Buddhism, and other academic offerings.
Dr. Indra Prasad Kafle emphasized the importance of promoting LBU’s programs among the Himalayan Buddhist community, and Dr. Shakya requested Rinpoche’s support in facilitating scholarships and sharing LBU’s academic opportunities with his devotees and followers.
In his address, Shangpa Rinpoche spoke about his spiritual journey and ongoing work in the Himalayan region. He expressed deep appreciation for LBU’s efforts in advancing Buddhist education and assured the gathering of his commitment to supporting and promoting the University’s programs.
The interaction was attended by faculty members, staff, and students, including Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, Dr. Indra Prasad Kafle, Dr. Dayanidhi Gautam, Dr. Nyima Sherpa, Ven. Geshe Dorjee, Ven. Khenpo, Ven. Phurpa Sherpa, Ven. Karma Tamang, Kamal Thapa, Neshan Shrestha, Neera Gautam, Savita Ghimire, Sanju Bhandari Itani, along with students of Bhot Buddhist Studies.
The visit of Shangpa Rinpoche marks a significant step in strengthening the University’s engagement with eminent Himalayan Buddhist practitioners and enhancing its role as a hub of Buddhist academic excellence.
