Patron Kings Overview
In 2002, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche began identifying some of the great patrons of Buddhism, from Shakyamuni’s own patron, Sudatta Anathapindika to the warlord king Ashoka. Without these patrons, Buddhism would have had little chance to flourish. In every Khyentse Foundation Communique, Rinpoche shares the life story of one of these inspiring patrons.
Patron King Series
Patron Kings Part XI: King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk of Bhutan
Dec 16th, 2009Part XI in a series “It’s amazing that there is still a Buddhist kingdom on this planet.” -Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche In the eighth century, Guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism to Bhutan and meditated in retreat there on his way to and from Tibet. To this day, the country remains a place where the Vajrayana is held…
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Patron Kings Part IX: Gene Smith and TBRC
Dec 16th, 2010When E. Gene Smith was asked how he managed to single-handedly gather together a tremendous amount of the Tibetan literature that had been dispersed during and after the events of 1959, he replied simply, “Karma, I guess.” It’s not that Gene is at a loss for words–he often tells amazing tales–but Gene Smith is primarily…
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Patron Kings Part XII: Emperor Wu of Liang
Feb 14th, 2011China has a long and glorious connection with Buddhism. It is the country where Ch’an (Zen) took root and where much of the now world-renowned Buddhist-inspired art and culture flourished and grew. There are accounts of the teachings reaching the country as early as 217 BCE, and after that first encounter China produced many great…
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Patron Kings Part XIII: Gerard Godet, A Modern Patron of the Buddhadharma
Oct 26th, 2011By Rinchen Lhamo Gerard Godet was a great patron of Buddhadharma and a beloved friend to so many of us.
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Great Patrons Series: Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck: Patron Queen of Bhutan
Feb 17th, 2012Looking back, my memory of this great queen, Ashi Phuntsho Choden, is something I can never imagine recreating. That setting was so special. I was only eight or nine years old when I spent time with her…
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