[Buddha-l] [Fwd: [skepnet] Documentaire: Jesus Camp (2006)]

[Joy Vriens]

Hi Chris,

>These days very few Tibetans even monks have anything but a vague 
>notion of the Kalacakra teachings, doctrines, myth & symbology. They 
>go along and take the 'initiation' when the Dalai Lama gives it for the  
>'blessings' and because these occasions are for them major cultural & 
>group events. 

I know what you mean, but at the same time this strikes me as kind of strange, since the Tibetant government in exile has been expressing its worry about the imminent disapperance of the Tibetan culture lately. Wouldn't it be time to start teaching culture carriers such as monks what their culture is about? And if such is not the business of the government, then whose business is it? Do they have a Ministry of Culture or Cult?
 
>The symbolism and myth (at least in written form) is probably far 
>more available to western followers of Tibetan Buddhism through 
>all the books websites and so on on the subject in the English 
>language. 

Every monastery has a collection of Kangyur and Tengyur. I know, they are objects of worship rather than study. I think it is not the means that are lacking.

Joy