Suspending the Buddhism Divide: The Indo-Tibetan & Japanese Mikkyo Bridge

Columbia University Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, a leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism and the first Westerner to be ordained a Tibetan Buddhist monk by H.H. the Dalai Lama, has been instrumental in popularizing the Buddha’s teachings in the West. In this lecture, Prof. Thurman explores connections between Japanese and Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and joins in a discussion with Kojun Arai, priest of Japan’s Shingon Buddhist sect and leading member of Buddhist ritual chanting group, Shomyo no Kai – Voices of a Thousand Years, which will offer a special on-stage demonstration of what is considered one of the oldest forms of vocal music. For details on the group, see our event Shomyo: Buddhist Ritual Chant.

Pre-performance demonstration, “Contemporary IKEBANA,” by OHARA beginning at 6 pm, arranged by JNTO.

Tickets: $12/$8 Japan Society members, seniors & students