Jeffrey Hopkins speaks at UBC (April 20 and 21, 2009).
Hopkins clarified the ways sex is used on the path of Tibetan Buddhism, and commented on the Dalai Lama’s skillful blending of old and new in his Buddhist teachings.
Jeffrey Hopkins spoke as part of the Buddhism and Contemporary Society Program lecture series, made possible through the generous support of The Tung Lin Kok Yuen Canada Foundation. Professor Tsering Shakya, a historian of Tibet, and head of the Religion and Public Policy Program, introduced Hopkins to full houses at the Asian Centre Auditorium and the TLKY Canada Society Temple.
Gender, Sexuality and Tibetan Buddhism: How Sex Is Used in the Spiritual Path
In his first talk, “Gender, Sexuality, and Tibetan Buddhism: How Sex Is Used in the Spiritual Path,” Hopkins argued that much of world culture views reason and sexual pleasure as antithetical. This tendency has resulted in a self-delusion that sexual impulses are under one’s rational control. He contrasted this with that found in Tibetan Buddhist systems, where developed practitioners seek to utilize the blissful and powerful mind of orgasm to realize the truth and the wholly-good ground of consciousness. In the basic nature of mind, there is no split between reason and orgasmic bliss.
During the question and answer period following, some audience members pointed out what they perceived to be troubling inconsistencies between the Tibetan scripture and practice. Hopkins replied with an analysis of relevant scriptures, while highlighting some of the historical biases that may have played a role in the reasons why such scriptures did not address these concerns.
The full video can be found here
The Dalai Lama’s Blending of ‘Classical’ Tibetan Buddhism with Contemporary Outlooks
Hopkins’ second talk, “The Dalai Lama’s Blending of ‘Classical’ Tibetan Buddhism with Contemporary Outlooks,” at the Tung Lin Kok Yuen Canada Society Temple, comprehesively discussed, point by point, the modernist elements in the Dalai Lama’s thought. The lectures drew between 250-300 visitors to the Asian Centre and the TLKY temple.
Jessica Main, who will begin work July 1 as the new Tung Lin Kok Yuen Chair in Buddhism and Contemporary Society, was a member of the audience for both lectures. She felt that that Hopkins was “an engaging and respectful speaker,” who “did a good job responding to some difficult questions regarding homosexuality and monastic rules.”
Tsering Shakya, who currently chairs the Lecture Series, felt that “there were moments of great insight and clarity,” and that “many had already read some of his popular books and came to see the person.”
:: Jeffrey Hopkins is Professor Emeritus, University of Virginia, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies.
:: based on the original event report for CFIS Quarterly by John Corry.
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