Conference on the Life of Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche

Dear friends,

We have entered the Year of the Wood Horse without the presence of our Precious Refuge Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche. As you all know, Akong Rinpoche was an exceptional Master who was supremely skillful in demonstrating the true teaching of Lord Buddha through his actions, who was always reliable and patient and who deeply touched the hearts of a vast number of people through his excellent qualities. 

We are planning a conference at Oxford University, which we hope will be presided over, depending on travel permission, by the High Khenpo of the famous Serthar Monastery in Tibet. The aim is to trace a concise picture of Akong Rinpoche’s life through the coming together of the various people who have been involved in his journey of helping others, either spiritually through dharma centres, or improving the quality of life through charitable activities, or delivering therapeutic healing to those who are suffering from various health conditions or who wish to develop their minds through therapeutic techniques, as well as those many individuals whose lives were positively influenced through encountering him.

The aim is to record in writing the activities which Rinpoche established through his supreme loving kindness, compassion and mindfulness, which not only brought positive changes to society at large but also made many individual lives more fulfilled and meaningful.

Our aim is that the contributions from this conference, as well as selected writings sent in by others, will be collated into a book about Rinpoche's life. The 'Namtar' or life story is seen as vital for summarising the great deeds of an enlightened master as well as for the continuation of the beneficial work of the reincarnated Bodhisattva Lama. Our wish is that the Serthar Khenpo will guide the traditional presentation of Rinpoche's spiritual accomplishments, so that the Namtar will be developed in the most authentic way possible.

We very much hope that you can attend. The conference will take place on Saturday May 24th at Wolfson College, Oxford. There is a booking fee of £28 per person to cover the college costs (lunch, light refreshments), and for an additional fee overnight rooms can be provided by the college, however we are also looking for local people who can offer accommodation.

The format of the conference will be a combination of presentations by key speakers and group discussions. Attendance is open for all, but registration is required for booking a place in advance. The full program will be sent out shortly. 

If you are able to attend, please fill in the attached booking form (below) and mail it to the address provided. If you have any questions, please email   tsomo.garpa@gmail.com

With best wishes,

Dr. Mingji Cuomu (Oxford University) and Gelong Thubten (Kagyu Samye Ling)