Renowned Bhutanese lama, filmmaker and author Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche will be among four distinguished personalities who will receive an honorary degree from the University of London's SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) next week. Graduation ceremonies will take place September 5-7, at 10:00 a.m. and 14:00 p.m. UTC, and will last approximately 90 minutes, with receptions on campus following each ceremony.
In honoring Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche as a member, SOAS writes:
Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, an internationally renowned Buddhist scholar and teacher, is a prominent advocate of the non-sectarian tradition of Rimé. Rinpoche's dedication to spreading Buddhist teachings and establishing centers of learning and meditation across continents underscores his commitment to global spiritual and humanitarian progress. His many contributions include founding organizations such as Siddhartha's Intent International, the Khyentse Foundation and 84000, which aim to translate all of the Buddha's teachings into English. With an academic background that includes studies at SOAS University of London and lectures at renowned institutions around the world, Rinpoche's influence on modern Buddhism is immeasurable.
(SOAS)
Other people to be honored include:
Javed Akhtar, who will receive a Doctorate in Literature (DLit) for his work in Indian cinema and literature as well as his work as an activist and leader. “His dedication to social justice, as evidenced by his instrumental role in copyright reform, and his outspoken stance against religious fundamentalism underscore his commitment to a better society. » (SOAS)
Asma Khan, best-selling cookbook author and restaurant owner in London, will be awarded a Doctor of Science (Social Science) or DSc (SocSc) degree. Khan holds a doctorate in British constitutional law from King's College London and was made an honorary fellow of the University of Oxford. She was featured on the The chef's table TV series and in Vogue list of the 25 most influential women.
Finally, Professor Kevin Fenton will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Literature (DLit) for his work in the field of public health. Professor Fenton has emerged as a leader during the global COVID-19 pandemic, helping to shape government and academic responses to the crisis with a view to minimizing health inequalities. He was named Britain's second most influential black person by Powerlist and was president of the UK Faculty of Public Health as an adviser on HIV.
SOAS recognizes each of these individuals for making outstanding achievements in their field and shaping society for the better, exemplifying the values and ideals of the university community.
Recent winners include four leading figures from the African Diaspora community in December 2022 and several individuals working in economics, the arts, peacebuilding and development in the summer of 2022.
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche was born in Bhutan in 1961, the son of Thinley Norbu Rinpoche (1931-2011). He was a close student of the Nyingma master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991) and was recognized as the third incarnation of XNUMXth century Tibetan art. terton Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820-1892), founder of the Khyentse lineage, and immediate incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö (1893-1959).
Khyentse is the founder of the Khyentse Foundation in 2001 with the aim of promoting the teachings of the Buddha across all Buddhist traditions. The foundation has worked to preserve and translate major texts, educate children with Dharma-inspired programs, develop monastic colleges in Asia, and fund scholarships and awards worldwide to expand understanding Buddhism in colleges and universities.
Khyentse has also founded a number of projects beyond Dharma, including Lotus Outreach, which aims to improve the lives of women and girls in developing countries, particularly Cambodia and India.