
Updated with revised schedule.
84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha, a global nonprofit initiative founded by the revered Bhutanese lama, author, and filmmaker Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, has announced that the renowned Buddhist monk, author, and photographer Matthieu Ricard will give a live-streamed teaching titled “Acceptance of the Profound Dharma” on 16 March, for the occasion of Chotrul Duchen.
“Join us for a special Teachings on Sutra event with the esteemed Buddhist monk Venerable Matthieu Ricard as he explores the theme of ‘Acceptance of the Profound Dharma’ in honor of Chotrul Duchen,” 84000 said in an announcement shared with BDG. “Matthieu will delve into ‘The Patience of the Profound Dharma,’ the ninth chapter of The King of Samādhis Sūtra (Toh 127), a text known for its profound insights, especially on the nature of emptiness.”
Chotrul Duchen, known as the Butter Lamp Festival, is one of four major Buddhist festival in the Tibetan lunar calendar that commemorate events in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. Coming soon after Losar, the Tibetan New Year, Chotrul Duchen is held on the 15th day of the first month in the Tibetan calendar, during the full moon to celebrate the 15 days when Buddha is believed to have shown miracles for his disciples and followers who doubted his enlightenment. Chotrul Duchen was established in 1409 by revered tantric master Je Tsongkhapa at the Jokhang temple in Lhasa. Tibetan Buddhists believe that the effects of positive and negative actions taken during the festival are multiplied millions times.
“A world-renowned author and speaker, Matthieu will bring his wisdom and engaging style to discuss the various levels of patience outlined in this chapter,” 84000 explained. “He will guide us through the Buddha’s teachings on how patience is attained through understanding the illusory nature of all things, leading to freedom from desire, anger, and ignorance. This chapter also illuminates the need to understand the impermanence and fleeting nature of the world, cultivating profound patience that helps us navigate difficulties with compassion and altruism. Matthieu will offer deep insights on how these teachings inspire the cultivation of a positive, beneficial presence in the world.”
“Acceptance of the Profound Dharma” will be live-streamed at the following times, with simultaneous interpretation into Chinese, French, Portuguese, and Vietnamese:
Auckland: 6pm, Sunday 16 March
Canberra: 4pm, Sunday 16 March
Seoul, Tokyo: 2pm, Sunday 16 March
Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei: 1pm, Sunday 16 March
Bangkok, Jakarta: 12pm, Sunday 16 March
Kathmandu: 10:45am, Sunday 16 March
New Delhi: 10:30am, Sunday 16 March
Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Stockholm: 6am, Sunday 16 March
London: 5am, Sunday 16 March
Montreal, New York: 1am, Saturday 15 March
Los Angeles, Vancouver: 10pm, Saturday 15 March
Click here to register for “Acceptance of the Profound Dharma”
“Matthieu, who is often sought for his expertise in altruism, mind training, and neuroscience, humbly does not consider himself a teacher but is eager to share his thoughts and reflections on this deeply inspiring text,” said 84000. “This talk promises to be a rare opportunity to hear from him on a topic that has long inspired his personal journey.”
84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha is a long-term undertaking to translate and publish all surviving canonical texts preserved in the Classical Tibetan language—70,000 pages of the Kangyur (the translated words of the Buddha) in 25 years and 161,800 pages of the Tengyur (the translated commentaries on the Buddha’s teachings by the great Indian Buddhist masters and scholars) in 100 years. According to 84000, less than 5 per cent of the canon had hitherto been translated into a modern language, and due to a rapid decline in the knowledge of Classical Tibetan and in the number of qualified scholars, the world is in danger of losing an irreplaceable cultural and spiritual wisdom legacy.
Since its inception in 2010,* 84000—named for the number of teachings the historical Buddha is said to have given—has awarded in excess of US$6 million in grants to teams of translators around the world, including Tibetan scholars and Western academics. In just 14 years, with the endorsement of all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, 84000 continues to strive forward, supported by some of the most learned living teachers of the Vajrayana tradition.]
Born in Bhutan in 1961, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is the son of Thinley Norbu Rinpoche and was a close student of the Nyingma master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–91). He is recognized as the third incarnation of the 19th century Tibetan terton Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892), founder of the Khyentse lineage, and the immediate incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö (1893–1959).
In addition to 84000, Rinpoche’s projects include Khyentse Foundation, established in 2001 to promote the Buddha’s teaching and support all traditions of Buddhist study and practice; Siddhartha’s Intent, an international collective of Buddhist groups supporting Rinpoche’s Buddhadharma activities by organizing teachings and retreats, distributing and archiving recorded teachings, and transcribing, editing, and translating manuscripts and practice texts; Lotus Outreach, which directs a range of projects to ensure the education, health, and safety of vulnerable women and children in the developing world; and Lhomon Society, which promotes sustainable development in Bhutan through education.
* 84000 Launches Video Campaign to Mark 10 Years of Preserving the Tibetan Buddhist Canon (BDG) and 84000 Announces that 25 Per Cent of the Tibetan Kangyur Is Now Freely Available in English (BDG)
See more
84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha
Give Each Month (84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha)
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