Tulku to lead workshop

11/12/2005

Tulku Orgyen Phuntsok, a Tibetan lama and meditation master who will lead a workshop in Toledo tomorrow, believes that meditation can help Americans "de-stress" from the pressures of daily life.

"In the midst of our busy schedule, we need to take a few minutes for oneself and have some quiet time," Tulku Orgyen said. "Whatever one's [religious] beliefs, these meditation techniques will calm their minds down and get the stress out and bring relaxation."

The term "tulku" is a Buddhist honorary title for a spiritual master who is consciously reincarnated to achieve a specific purpose, said Diane Scriven, an aide to Tulku Orgyen.

"We teach that each and every person has a good nature and to abide in that," said Tulku Orgyen, who is giving lectures and leading workshops across the United States.

Tomorrow's session at First Church, Unity, will focus on basic elements of meditation such as posture, breathing, and focusing one's mind to "recognize our true nature," the tulku said.

Tulku Orgyen, 32, said he knew from an early age that he was the reincarnation of Togden Kunzang Langdro Rinpoche, a yogi and meditation master from the Powo region of Tibet who died in 1970.

The tulku spent the first 15 years of his life in retreat, studying all aspects of Buddhism at a monastery in Pema Kod, in northern India, and earned a doctorate degree from India's Namdroling Monastery.

Tulku Orgyen Phuntsook will lead a workshop on meditation at 4 p.m. tomorrow at First Church, Unity, 3535 Executive Pkwy. A free-will offering will be taken. Information: 419-537-1001.