First Bi-Annual Kamtsang Choghar Dharma Camp

Hosted by Drubgyud Choeling Monastery, in Lumbini, from 7 Dec 2003

To further propagate Buddha Dharma, to widen and increase awareness, to broaden, heighten and deepen the practice and knowledge of practitioners across the land, The Vikrama Shila Buddhist Institute, and the Shree Divakar Buddhist Research Institute initiated a bi-annual Buddha Dharma seminar.

The auspicious event was hosted by Drubgyud Choeling Monastery, and held in Lumbini. Over 200 members of the maha sangha, learned venerables and students from prestigious Buddhist institutes across the land will gather together to exchange and share knowledge on the Buddha Dharma.

The Buddha Dharma Seminar

The seminar has taken place over a period of 3 weeks, starting from 7th December 2003. The daily programme of the seminar comprised 5 lessons, two of which were dedicated to dialectics. There were also daily prayers for world peace and prosperity, for the liberation of all sentient beings and for the health, longevity and prosperity of the sponsors of the seminar.

The Lecturers

The principle lecturer for the seminar was Prof. Sampa Dorje, the present teacher to the supreme throne holder of the Karma Kagyud Tradition, H.H the 17th Karmapa, Thaye Dorje. Khenpo Chodak Tenphel Rinpoche, teacher of the entire tradition of Karma Kagyud, and Khenpo Tsering Samdup, Principal of the Kalimpong Institute lectured alongside. From Vikrama Shila Buddhist Institute, Khenpo Tsultrim Tharchin who is also the Institute's Vice-Principle; Khenpo Lobsang and Gen Ngedon were all part of the prestigious entourage of learned lecturers.

The Sponsor

Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche kindly took on the responsibility of being the main sponsor of the event that will be taking place in Lumbini, a sacred place held close to the hearts of Buddhists all across the world.

Closing Ceremony - 30 Dec 2003

As the 30 December was an auspicious day, the closing ceremony was held this day. The program for the closing ceremony was:

9.00am	Buddha Shakyamuni Prayers by all the Sanghas.
	Speech by Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche on "Introduction of Kamtsang Chogar', and also concerning the anniversary of Drubgyud Choeling monastery.
	Prayers by the sanghas from the various traditions attending.
	Presentation of philosophy debate by the sanghas.
	Presentation of awards to the top 3 most outstanding sanghas.
	Concluding speech by Khenpo.
11.50am	Lunch Break
3.00pm	Paying respect at the Holy sites in Lumbini
	Aspiration prayers by all the sanghas, with thousands of butter lamps to be lit, (including prayers for world peace)
	Offering of token to all the attending sanghas, by Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche

31 December 2003 there was a departure gathering for all the sanghas who attended the Kamtsang Chogar - until they meet again in two years time.

Successful Program at the Dharma Seminar

The first Kamtsang Choghar at Lumbini was very memorable for all the participants. Around 150 tulkus and monks joined this programme.

The Khenpos gave teaching mainly on Tagrig and Dutha to the students, (these are mainly trainings in logical reasoning and debating). Thereafter they debated for long hours on Buddhist philosophy. The professor Sempa Dorje gave extensive explanation on Domsum, which are 'The three restraints', or 'three vows'.  Domsum is the Tibetan translation of the Sanskrit 'Trisamvara'. The three restraints are:
1) 'the vows of personal liberation' which are the vows of the Hinayana,
2) 'the vows of bodhicitta' - the vows of the Mahayana, and
3) 'the vows of secret mantra' which are usually referred to as 'samaya of the secret mantra' and which are the vows of the Vajrayana.

Another important explanation given was that of Druptha, the 'Tenets' / 'Tenet system'. This is a translation of the Sanskrit 'Siddhanta'. Druptha explains the different views of the Buddhist tenents, the main Buddhist philosophical schools.