Author:
Tony Young
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Date Posted: 15:12:57 01/02/03 Thu
There is a popular and fast-growing new international group in the D.C. area that has provided many talks on Islam during the past several months.
The group is D.C. International Connection/East-West Connection. East-West provides talks about various cultures and religions, as well as social get-togethers. It is intended to be primarily for single professionals (college age, on up to the mid-40s or so). A number of college students attend these meetings.
As I mentioned, the focus of the talks is often Islam. That's because the group's organizer, Tony Young, has lived in Turkey and the Soviet Union and has several Muslim friends. At least a third of the group's 100 or so regular attendees are Muslim; they are from countries such as Iran, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan. Other (non-Muslim) attendees are from countries such as China and India. Also among the attendees are many Americans who have lived overseas and have friends from various cultures. There are software developers, engineers, statisticians, physical fitness trainers, and other professionals in the group.
The group is a great way for people of different faiths (as well as secular individuals) to connect both professionally and socially. Meetings are held twice a month, every other Saturday evening of each month.
To get on the mailing list for East-West Connection/D.C. International Connection, individuals can send emails to the group's organizer, Tony Young, at east_west_connection@hotmail.com introducing themselves and asking to be included on the list. They can also call him on his cell phone; his number is 703-475-8328.
The next event - this Saturday, Jan. 4 - will provide a talk on Buddhism.
Here's the notice about the upcoming event:
"The Dalai Lama is considered to be one of the most interesting and key spiritual leaders in the world today. It is with great pleasure that I have just received notice that we will be having his personal assistant, Geshe Tenzin Dhargye, to be our special speaker this coming Saturday for our East-West Connection social. Although the Geshe is very busy, he has assured us that he will speak to us upon his arrival from Philadelphia, somewhere between 9PM and 10PM. We are truly grateful. The Geshe is going to be talking about the 'Spiritual Philosophy of the Dalai Lama'. Our speaker resides with the Dalai Lama in India, although their home is obviously Tibet.
"I am very happy to once again focus on Asia. I personally feel that I could learn a lot by listening to this man. More importantly, I am asking all of you to take the time to please share this gathering with others. We extend a special invitation to all of our Central and Far Eastern Asian friends, especially students. This is relatively short notice and so please take the time to forward this email to friends and associates, as well as religious temples, etc. Please take seriously the fact that I need your help to get the word out quickly as I am sure many will want to join us! We will be advertising in the Washington Post and the City Paper, and so we are expecting a large gathering.
****Biography of our speaker****
"Geshe Tenzin Dhargye was born in Leh, Ladakh, northern India, in 1968. He entered the Sera-Me monastery, where he received his education, at the age of nine. He was awarded the title "Geshe Lharampa", equivalent to a doctorate in theology in the West, in February 1995, following eighteen years of study of Buddhist philosophy.
"In 1997 Geshe-la was called to Dharamsala at the request of the Dalai Lama. Since then he has visited a number of European countries, giving instruction in Buddhist philosophy and lecturing on Tibet during his various trips. Most recently, Geshe-la spent a year teaching at the University of Virginia, where he worked alongside Prof. Jeffrey Hopkins among others. Geshe-la spent September 2000 being prepared for his stay in Graz by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
"Please do pass this info on as all are welcome! His theme will be the spiritual teachings of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is considered one of the key spirituals in the world today. We would be very grateful to have any and all central and eastern Asians joining us, regardless of their religious or political persuasions.
"As usual, these evening are designed to be social points of welcome and connection for internationals and newcomers in our area. They are free but all are asked to consider bringing a potluck dish once again.
"Rough Schedule:
630 to 7 - set up for those that can help.
8 pm - arrival and food preparation.
8:30 - introductions
9 to 9:30 or later for our speaker, depending on his arrival. Talk and questions.
"Location: 3835 9th Street in the Party Room (the building is next to the Ballston Metro).
"This is in a complex located on 9th street between Pollard St. and N. Oakland St. Coming from Common Grounds Café (at 3211 Wilson Blvd.), travel down Fairfax Dr. towards Ballson. Make a left onto Pollard St. and another left at the next block which is 9th St. You can find plenty of parking on Fairfax Dr. and Pollard St. We will be assembled in the party room of this complex. There will be a doorman to direct you to the social.
"Bring a Friend and a dish please. All Internationals, students, and newcomers are always our special guests and asked only to bring an open heart to share their lives with us! Now it is up to you to pass the word!
For more info on meeting location call Tony Young at 703-475-8328."
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