The Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies

Visit of HH the Gyalwang Drukpa to Wolfson

On 15th March His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa visited Wolfson College as part of a visit to Oxford that had already taken in the Oxford Mindfulness Centre at the Warneford Hospital.

Wolfson hosted His Holiness’ party for the entire afternoon, which saw a mixed programme of talks, meetings and demonstrations. At 2pm His Holiness was welcomed on behalf of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies by Dr. Sarah Shaw. After a brief introduction His Holiness then met with academics working in Buddhist Studies at Oxford University to discuss their research activities and common areas of interest.

This was followed by two public activities hosted by Wolfson. Part of His Holiness’ interests is the empowerment of women. To this end he has opened training in his monastery to nuns. As part of their studies they carry out Kung-Fu training and there was a display of this within the grounds of Wolfson College. This was followed by a talk in which His Holiness spoke on a wide range of topics including the importance of environmental awareness and his core philosophy of Compassion in Action.

After a brief rest, during which the audience enjoyed cake and tea provided by Wolfson’s catering team, there followed a panel discussion (chaired by Diana Quick) between His Holiness and Mark Leonard of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre entitled Mindfulness: Combining Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science.

The day ended with a Reception held in the President’s Room, where Wolfson’s President, Professor Hermione Lee, gave an address thanking His Holiness for his visit.