Tibetan Lama Speaks at San Diego Bookstore

January 11, 2002

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

On January 11, 2002, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that "about 40 people attended... [a lecture by] Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, a teacher of a little-known Tibetan Buddhist sect,... the Wisdom Traditions Institute [in San Diego, CA]... Buddhism, he said, encourages people to reach for immeasurable love, compassion, wisdom, knowledge and finally, enlightenment." He also spoke about America's war on terrorism; "'Inside they are very angry,' Choga said of the terrorists. 'This anger development is being used by politics and war.' While front-line terrorists are strapping bombs to themselves, the leaders are sitting back laughing and drinking tea, Choga said. War and weapons are not the answer to happiness, he added... In the last year, the 36-year-old lama has traveled extensively throughout the United States, the Far East, Russia, and Europe, spreading his message of world peace, happiness and enlightenment. He spent five days in San Diego, mostly speaking at Wisdom Traditions Institute and Bookstore in Kensington."