KINGSTON, R.I. March 27, 2017 — The Buddhist monk Ngawang Phende will speak at the University of Rhode Island about “Reducing Suffering through Buddhist Physiology” Thursday, April 13 between 7 and 8:30 p.m. at the Richard E. Beaupre Center for Chemical and Forensic Sciences, room 105, 140 Flagg Road on the Kingston Campus. The event is free and open to the public

Since Buddhism is also known as the “science of the mind,” Phende’s aim is to address human problems through understanding and training of the mind. His reflection is based on ancient wisdom traditions and modern psychological science. Phende wrote a book on this topic, “Reducing Suffering through the Study and Practice of Buddhist Psychology: Practical Application of the Study of Mind and Awareness.” Phende will address the mental sufferings and dissatisfactions in the world and the way Buddhist teachings deal with them.

Phende was born in Nepal and ordained as monk at 12 years old. He then spent two years studying Buddhist texts and rituals before joining the Drepung Loseling Monastery in India to study Basic Buddhist Philosophy until he gained his Geshe Degree (Tibetan Buddhist academic degree for monks and nuns). Phende has a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy and is now one of the resident teachers at Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta, Georgia.

This event is sponsored by URI’s Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies and the URI Department of Psychology.

Sarah Saltiel-Ragot, an international student from Sciences Po Rennes in France and an intern in URI’s Department of Marketing and Communications, wrote this press release.