Thurman is chairman of the Department of Religion at Columbia and co-founder of Tibet House. He is also a good friend of H.H. the Dalai Lama and CYM?s Dr. C.T. Shen. He is the author of many books including a translation of the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra (?The Holy Teachings of Vimalakirti?), ?Essential Tibetan Buddhism,? ?Inner Revolution,? and ?The Tibetan Book of the Dead.?

On Saturday from 10 to noon there will be a public talk on ?The Magnificent Universe of the Hua Yan? (?Avatamsaka-Flower Adornment Sutra?).
From 1 to 3 p.m. there will be a public talk on Tibetan Buddhism: ?Three Principals of the Mahayana Path.?

At 3:30 p.m. there?s an optional monastery tour. A delicious vegetarian lunch for $5 is served at noon in the dining hall.

For information please contact the Rev. Sudharma (845) 225-1819 x115 or e-mail BAUSCYM@AOL.COM

The Avatamsaka Sutra is studied by all schools of Mahayana Buddhism and records the highest teachings of Buddha after his Enlightenment. It has been described by D.T. Suzuki as the ?epitome of Buddhist thought, Buddhist sentiment and Buddhist experience.?

Chuang Yen Monastery is on Route 301 in the town of Kent. Going west on 301, it?s on right-hand side 1.3 miles after Farmer?s Mill Road. Going east on 301, it?s on the left 1.6 miles from Taconic State Parkway.