Yogic Sciences students’ visit

From left to right: Lopen Ngawang Sherab, Dr. Naresh Rimal, Khenpo Urgen Tenphel, Lama Sherab Tharchin, Lama Oser, Dr. Thomas Doctor, Dr. Julia Stenzel and a group of yogic science students of Kathmandu University.

A group of Yogic Sciences students of Kathmandu University came to visit the KU Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute on Saturday, June 15, 2024. They attended the Dharma teaching of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche who addressed not only the KU students but the entire batch of summer students, urging everyone to study, practice, and act in the world in a way that protects our planet Earth. He addressed especially the younger generations in whose hands the fate of the planet lies. Explaining the varius streams of philosophical thought, Rinpoche explained that the Cārvāka–materialists had a large following these days while they were seen as unacceptable by Buddhist and other philosophers in ancient India. Rather than pursuing materialist aims, Rinpoche implored the students to strive for calmness, kindness, and wisdom. He also addressed the Yogic Sciences students directly in their mother tongue. The students had the chance to explain their program to RYI Principal, Dr. Thomas Doctor, and Director of Studies, Dr. Julia Stenzel, after the teachings. They were accompanied by program advisor Dr. Naresh Rimal, and they extended an official invitation to the International Day of Yoga that will be celebrated on the Dhulikhel campus on June 21, 2024.

What is the “Yogic Sciences and Wellbeing” study program?

Kathmandu University School of Arts offers since 2022 a four-year “Bachelor in Yogic Sciences and Wellbeing,” a program that has attracted about forty students who currently study yoga in practical and theoretical ways. They start with practical yoga in the morning and study, in the afternoons, the history and philosophy underlying yoga, Sanskrit as its primary language, human biology and the impact of yoga on physical and mental health, Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan yogic practices, and many other topics. The program is jointly owned by the School of Arts and the School of Medical Sciences. It includes a “service” aspect, which means that students go every Friday to teach yoga in highschools throughout the Kathmandu Valley. To know more about the program: https://www.ku.edu.np/program/bachelor-in-yogic-science-and-well-being

At the end of a communal lunch, everyone expressed the wish for more mutual visits and exchange of knowledge and experience.