Date correction: Get better results with compassion

Thursday, May 28, 2009

By Matthew Irwin

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Khen Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan says that nothing in life is certain except for death; however, one can prepare for conflict, beginning with the assumption that a violent or angry response will not achieve the preferred outcome, namely the serenity and happiness of all parties involved. A Buddhist monk in exile, Rinpoche has faced much conflict.

“Compassion is the central ethic and philosophical focus of the Buddhist tradition,” said David Gardiner, a religious studies professor at University of Wyoming who is accompanying Rinpoche on a speaking tour that will come to Jackson Hole. “When you face a difficult situation or difficult people, deep challenges or suffering, the idea is to shift your thinking from the adversary point of view to an understanding of the other’s position, and from the view that you can use compassion to solve problems.”

Having studied Buddhism in his home village from age 13, Rinpoche walked 800 miles at 16 years old with his father to the Tashilungpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet. There he received his novice monk vows and studied with Tibetan scholars until he was forced out in 1960 by Chinese policies in Tibet. He has since traveled the world studying and teaching Buddhism, including an appointment by the Dalai Lama to abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in India, which he runs as an exile. He also founded the Siddhartha School with one location in India and one in the U.S., where he has spent much of the last 15 years.

His travels brought him to the attention of Center of Wonder, which decided to host Rinpoche here after its success, last year, with the Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard, who spoke on meditation, according to the Center’s Carrie Geraci.

Gardiner said that the tendency to respond angrily doesn’t serve the individual’s desire for harmony and contentment in relationships. He asks that people think about how it feels when they are angry, and if responding angrily will resolve that bad feeling or make it worse by manifesting it with violence.

The ability to empathize with one’s opponent is difficult, Gardiner said, and requires meditation and training, which Rinpoche hopes to provide on his tour. He speaks about conflict on a personal level, such as with family and coworkers, and on national and international levels.

Rinpoche, Gardiner said, would agree with President Obama’s position that the U.S. need not give up values for security.

“Disrespect for other communities in name of our own priorities doesn’t create a world of trust or a world we want to live in,” Gardiner said. ” JHW

Khen Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan and Professor Gardiner will present Compassion Amidst Conflict: Finding Wonder in a Complex World, 7 p.m., Wednesday at the Center Theater;  free.

Courtesy photo
Khen Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan to address compassion and conflict.

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