H. E. Geshe Dorji Damdul giving a Dhamma lecture at Nalanda Centre.

On Thursday 9 June, Nalanda Centre was honoured to host Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul for a special Dhamma Lecture on “The essence of Tibetan Buddhism and its general misconceptions”. It was His Eminence’s first visit to Malaysia, which was coordinated by the Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia (VBCM).  Besides Nalanda Centre, Geshe-la also gave lectures at the Buddhist Gem Fellowship and Universiti Malaya (hosted by the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia) during his brief tour.

Geshe Dorji Damdul has been the official translator of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama since 2005.  He completed his studies at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD) in Dharamsala, the Drepung Monastic University, and Gyumey Tantric College.

Earlier in the afternoon, Geshe-la arrived at Nalanda with a few followers. They were warmly received by Nalanda’s Deputy President Bro. Charlie (far right), Director Sis. Nandini (left) and host Sis. Sandy (3rd from right).

Geshe-la presently serves as the Director of Tibet House, the Cultural Centre of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in New Delhi.  He gives lectures and leads philosophy classes and meditation retreats at Tibet House and Delhi University, but also travels widely to teach Buddhist philosophy and practice.  His Eminence’s lecture at Nalanda Centre attracted quite a number of attendees including several Tibetan monks and leaders of Vajrayana Buddhist Societies.

After his lecture, Geshe-la had a long conversation and exchange of ideas with Nalanda founder Bro. Tan on issues affecting Buddhism globally.

Before and after his lecture, Geshe-la had long conversations and exchange of ideas with Nalanda founder Bro. Tan on issues affecting Buddhism globally.  It was a fruitful visit for Geshe-la and his followers to Malaysia, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Nalanda Centre again.  Sadhu anumodana!

Bro. Tan together with Geshe-la, Vajrayana monks and Buddhist society leaders.