Tibetan author booked for special appearance at La Conner-Swinomish Library
By Bill Reynolds
La Conner Community News
Ancient remedies for stress and strife that remain timely today are the focus of a book talk at La Conner-Swinomish Library on June 22 that will feature a renowned Tibetan Buddhist author and meditation master.
Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche will share enduring principles and practical methods for cultivating greater clarity, awareness and inner peace in everyday life during a two-hour presentation that will introduce his new tome, “The Tibetan Book of Success: A Guide to Relationships, Leadership, Communication, and Happiness.”
The free event is from 2 to 4 p.m.
Rinpoche, who is based in the San Francisco Bay area and has lectured at Stanford University, was invited to La Conner by resident Teri Goldstein, a long-standing friend and veteran journalist who has traveled extensively through the Himalayas, the spiritual and historical heartland of Tibetan Buddhism.
Teri Goldstein poses next to an image of the Buddha at her La Conner home. Goldstein helped secure a June 22 appearance at La Conner-Swinomish Library by Tibetan Buddhist author Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche. Also a master meditator, he will present a free two-hour book talk at the local library.
“I told him that La Conner really needs you,” said Goldstein, who was prompted by concerns over polarization and political conflict that has emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic.
She cited the recent and often bitter debate over Sunday live music noise levels at Gilkey Square that attracted widespread media coverage.
“It escalated to a place it didn’t need to go,” Goldstein said. “The blame and shame bothered me as a La Conner resident who moved here for peace.”
Peace is Rinpoche’s guiding light. He hails from the Dzogchen lineage of the Buddhist tradition that embraces peace as both an inner state of mental tranquility and a commitment to non-violence in the outer world.
“What he has is ancient wisdom,” Goldstein said. “He will bring options for how we can unify the town.”
Goldstein noted that Rinpoche has a deserved reputation for an accessible, passionate and joyful approach to personal transformation.
Goldstein said that during his La Conner program, Rinpoche — a title of honor in Tibetan Buddhism bestowed upon respected teachers with high levels of spiritual realization — will examine how values such as honest communication, integrity, fairness, reliability, respect and generosity can serve as a foundation for a meaningful and successful life.
“Rinpoche helps us understand our own world and exist peacefully in it,” Goldstein said.
A highlight of his La Conner appearance will be discussion of the more profound teachings from “The Tibetan Book of Success,” a newly released collection of classical Tibetan literature penned by celebrated Tibetan masters. Goldstein said the collection includes an eighth century text discovered in the Dunhuang Caves of northwestern China.
In addition, Goldstein said that Rinpoche’s local book talk will provide opportunities for guided meditation.
Rinpoche began his studies in Tibet with Jigme Phuntsok, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest Dzogchen masters of the 20th century and who in 1980 founded Lurang Gar, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastic academy.
Goldstein became interested in Buddhism when residing in Port Townsend, where she was exposed to the community’s eclectic literary and arts scene. That interest grew and eventually Goldstein traveled to Nepal, trekking through the Himalayas and visiting Buddhist monasteries.
“In the Himalayas,” she recounted, “the people’s lives were hard and arduous, but they used their religious tools (provided by Buddhism) to improve their lives.
“When I returned home I began studying meditation,” Goldstein said. “It helped me tremendously to stay peaceful and mindful.”
Years later, Goldstein remains enamored with the Himalayas. And her business, the TG Travel Group, specializes in arranging tours to the Himalayan region. She has also written a novel that is a cultural reflection of Himalayan life.
It was 11 years ago, while residing in the Bay Area and prior to moving to La Conner, that Goldstein met Rinpoche, cementing the friendship that led to his upcoming program here.
“Back then I heard him address how ancient wisdom and lessons can be applied in our daily lives. I was very impressed,” Goldstein said.
She is certain those attending his La Conner book talk will be impressed, too.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
