A Conversation with Derek Kolleeny

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Part One:

 

Part Two:

 

In part one, Derek talks to Julia about Vajradhatu’s* Office of External Affairs** and the great emphasis that Trungpa Rinpoche placed on developing close relationships between the traditional lineages of Tibetan Buddhism and his own organization. Derek describes in some detail the logistics infrastructure and array of services provided by Vajradhatu students under the tutelage and guidance of Trungpa Rinpoche for the visits of His Holiness the XVI Karmapa, His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama among others.

In part two, Derek discusses the Westchester Buddhist Center, an independent center for study and practice in Westchester county New York.

* Vajradhatu was the name of Trungpa Rinpoche’s organization, later changed to Shambhala.

**The Office of External Affairs was Trungpa Rinpoche’s diplomatic corps, responsible for maintaining good relationships with Buddhist teachers and organizations. Through the 1970s and 80s, the Office of External Affairs hosted the North American visits of many prominent Tibetan lineage holders including the Dalai Lama, the 16th Karmapa, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and many others.

The theme music for Mosaics is from Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition
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