High-ranking Tibetan Lama, Ling Rinpoche Visits Jogye Order Head, Ven. Jikwan

A high-ranking Tibetan lama, Ling Rinpoche paid a courtesy visit to the Jogye Order head, Ven. Jikwan on November 24.  Ling Rinpoche is the reincarnation of the senior tutor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  He is very close to His Holiness and has considerable influence in the Tibetan Buddhist society.  Ling Rinpoche invited Ven. Jikwan to to meet His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.  Ven. Jikwan replied that if circumstances allow, then they would meet.  He added that he could not make any solid promises.

Ven. Jikwan asked about the health of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  Ling Rinpoche replied that His Holiness had fully recovered from the surgery to remove gallstones.  Ven. Jikwan recalled fondly when Ling Rinpoche visited 20 years before.  Ling Rinpoche replied that the Buddhist Encyclopedia, which Ven. Jikwan gave on a previous visit, is well kept in the Tibet Library.

Ling Rinpoche said it was wonderful to see that the long tradition of Korean Buddhism and culture has been well sustained.  He added that it would be good to work together to uphold the teachings of Lord Buddha. 

This visit to for Ling Rinpoche, is at the invitation of Tongdosa Temple Abbot, Ven. Jungwoo.  Ven. Jungwoo mentioned to Ven. Jikwan about inviting His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Jeju Island .  His Holiness has been denied a visa from the Korean government.  Ven. Jungwoo said that Jeju Island has special rights in inviting foreign guests. 

Ling Rinpoche will teach at Tongdosa Temple on Sunday, November 30 on the Avatamsaka Sutra.  This visit is about two weeks in length.  This is the fifth visit to for Ling Rinpoche.