Hunsur: The eighth six-month intensive course on Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy successfully concluded on Thursday, 10 February at Snowland school of Gyumed monastery based in Hunsur, Karnataka. The six-month course, which began on 16 August 2021, is organised annually by the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, in collaboration with Gyumed monastery.
The chief guest at the concluding ceremony was Khen Rinpoche Jetsun Tenzin Sangpo of Gyumed monastery. Thupten Tsering, the settlement officer of Hunsur Rabgyaling attended on behalf of the Department of Religion and Culture as a special guest along with other local dignitaries. The guests spoke about the importance of Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy and how this annual course helps the larger cause of preserving Tibetan culture and language.
Tantric master Tsering Tashi who also serves as the Principal cum administrator of Gyumed monastery spoke briefly about the Snowland school’s evolution and its future programs. As part of the concluding ceremony, the students were presented with Diploma certificates.
Although the application to the 2021-22 term has been one of the largest, only 21 students were actually able to attend the course in person due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The six-month course gives training on doctrinal studies of Buddhist Philosophy especially Madhyamaka, Paramita, and logic. It also teaches Tibetan grammar, Tibetan intellectual history and culture, among others. The training is imparted through classroom teachings, discussions, and seminars.