Buddhist monk visits UPIKE
0Written By Sami Mounia
Tuesday, March 1, the University of Pikeville welcomed Tsering Phuntsok, a Buddhist Monk, who came from Tibet to share his religious views with students. This event was organized and presented by the University of Pikeville and Big Sandy Community and Technical College. The Venerable Tsering Phuntsok had the opportunity to talk in the Chrisman Auditorium, in front of a large crowd of interested students and professors.
Focusing on the principal idea of “Loving Our Enemies,” the monk shared a message of peace and forgiveness. He talked about his life and what he went through in the past. By sharing his story, he helped the crowd understand the meaning of his religion in a deeper level.
Currently, he is part of a program to facilitate cultural exchanges between Tibetan communities and U.S. university students who come to Dharamsala to volunteer with LHA, a local social work agency devoted to improving the lives of Tibetan refugees and local Indians. These groups also learn about Buddhism through visits to Tibetan monasteries. He also tries to teach about Buddhism and welcome students to Tibetan monasteries.
His soft voice and calm tone captured the public and encouraged a relaxed atmosphere while his engaging energy and humor made everybody comfortable to share their opinion. Monk Phuntsok used the teaching of Shantideva and the Dalai Lama to explain the Buddist point of view regarding “how” and “why” can we love our enemies when it is against our fundamental human psychology.