A three-day Vajrayana conference began in Thimphu yesterday.

The first day’s discussion included research, incidences and female enlightenment, besides findings on neuroscience and Vajrayana Buddhism in modern world.

“Vajrayana has been fundamental in shaping not only the religious worldview of the Bhutanese people, but also informing and influencing the secular outlook of this god-fearing land,” stated release issued by Centre for Bhutan Studies (CBS).

Sonia Gomes, chief organiser and manager of Sorig Khang Porte, Portugal, said that dakini is beyond the constricted definition as a wife of a lama or rinpoche. She emphasised feminine essence as an important principle that is defined with wisdom and wise activity.

To inspire women in Vajrayana Buddhism, importance of women in tantric courses echod with tales of Gaylongma Palmo, Green Tara, and the stories of contemporary female masters such as the Anim Trulku Chozang Lhamo, reincarnation of Anim Woesel Choden, the founder of Jashar Goenpa.

Tsunma Tenzin Dadon, currently a Sangha advisor to the Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia, said that Anim Trulku Chozang Lhamo was an inspiration to many nuns. “She has also received titles that were never given to the nuns.”

Tenzin Dadon and Karma Tashi Choedron conducted a research on two nunneries in Bhutan – Jachung Karmo in Punakha and Jashar Lhundrup Choling in Pemagatshel to study the tantric Buddhist symbolism and corresponding psychological impact on the Bhutanese nuns.

The need for more female figures as an inspiration to the nuns currently practicing the religion was highlighted at the conference.

More than 250 participants from over 30 countries are attending the conference.

About 60 speakers are expected to share their insights and experiences, engage in discussion with both international and domestic participant. Topics such as health and healing, ethics in Vajrayana and Manthrayana will also be discussed.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said that discussions and debates publications of the proceedings have contributed to an outstanding formation of bridge between individuals in the academia and spirituality.

He added that the broader aim behind the series of conferences was to explore social, economic, spiritual and cultural configurations of societies that favour the realisation of the Vajrayana view of human potentials. He added Guru Rinpoche’s coming to Bhutan and Tibet had tremendous socioeconomic and political consequences.

The conference is being organised to commemorate the golden jubilee anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India.

The conference, which is open to all, will end on March 30.

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