Jewel Heart presents The Debate between Gelek Rimpoche and Robert Thurman The evening's format will be that of 15th century Tibetan Buddhist debate tradition, rarely, if ever, seen in the West. Please join us for this extraordinary occasion and, in doing so, support Jewel Heart. December 6, 2003, at The Great Hall at Cooper Union 7 East 7th Street (at 3rd Avenue) New York City 7:00 o'clock p.m. Get Tickets!   Photo to the right: Self portrait by Demo Rimpoche, the first photographer in Tibet and father of Gelek Rimpoche, in traditional Heruka bone costume.

The Tradition of Tibetan Buddhist Debate It begins with saying the seed syllable of Manjushri, Buddha of Wisdom. Tibetan monks and lamas have performed this style of debate for five hundred years. The debates enriched their quality of knowledge and spiritual development. This formal exercise has not been seen in the United States except for brief moments in the sacred dances and music performances of the Losal Ling monks. The debate will take place in the form of questions and answers with traditional physical gestures unique to this style of debate.

How to Buy Tickets

Benefactor Tickets - $150 Contribution

Preferred seating, dinner and reception following the debate at Tsampa, 212 East 9th Street, New York City Benefactor tickets are limited in number and must be ordered directly from Jewel Heart NY. To order, use the Benfactor Response Form

Patron Tickets - $50 Contribution

Preferred seating at the debate; tickets available ONLY through Ticket Central 212-279-4200 or www.ticketcentral.com

General Admission Tickets - $20 Contribution

Advance tickets available ONLY through Ticket Central 212-279-4200 or www.ticketcentral.com. General Admission tickets will also be for sale at the door on the evening of the event, December 6th.

Jewel Heart

Gelek Rimpoche's Jewel Heart is an educational and cultural institute whose doors are open to all. Its purpose is to transmit the essence of Tibetan Buddhism in an authentic and accessible way. Jewel Heart provides guidance and practical methods to anyone interested in spiritual development, as well as to those who wish to engage in Buddhist practice.

History

Gelek Rimpoche established his first Western teaching center in the Netherlands in 1985. In 1987, Jewel Heart was founded as a non-profit organization in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It now has chapters throughout the United States as well as in Singapore, Malaysia and the Netherlands. Jewel Heart is affiliated with Drepung Loseling Nyare Khamtsen, part of the monastic college that was once the world's largest monastery. Today, Jewel Heart carries on the lineage and teachings of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, with a particular emphasis on the tradition of Je Tsong Khapa.