-Dina Suleimenova, BA student from Kazakhstan

The spring semester was the time of applying all the things previously learned at RYI. As continuation of the Fall semester, we were diving into the Buddha nature with Lopon la and Inka. In addition to that, we were learning all the intricacies of the Madhyamaka view and Buddhist scripture. The most exciting part was the Buddhist Art course taught by Professor Diane Denise. It finally culminated in the student art exhibition and international conference.  

As the part of the Buddhist art class, I was participating in the conference. It was the first time for me to participate in such a conference as a speaker. Hence, I am very grateful to my advisor Diane Denise who was guiding me for three years always giving the best advice and support. It was a great opportunity to meet the scholars from all over the world and listen to their research findings. During that conference I got the sense of how the scholar-practitioners look like. Earlier we also had a pleasure to be a part of a small symposium on tantric poetry. Again it was motivating to meet the translators of our textbooks such as Klaus-Dieter Mathes and Karl Brunnhölzl. It was satisfying to connect more with the world of Buddhist art and poetry this semester as it is definitely the crucial part of Buddhist practice. As usual we constantly had the presence and support of Rinpoches and lamas. Everyone was welcome to participate in the drubchens and Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche shared many precious advice to students. Even Richard Gere and other celebrities visited RYI and made its life more vibrant. 

To all the lamas, teachers and benefactors supporting dharma teachings here and around the globe I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation.