This article appeared in Nepali Times recently. For many it may be of no significance, but for some it might be of interest. Thought I'd share here:

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A Rana becomes Rinpoche

From Issue #308 (28 July 06 - 03 August 06)

Sridhar Samsher J B Rana is the first non-Tibetan to be bestowed with the title ‘Rinpoche’. Rana, whose interest in religion was sparked when he returned to Nepal after studying in India in the 1970s, came into contact with Khaptad Baba when he was studying Hinduism in 1976 and started training under him. So impressed was Khaptad Baba with Rana’s deep interest in the Vedas and religion that he offered to become his mentor.

Rana was so interested in religion that he started studying Zen Buddhism in 1980 under guru Osho Nen Re Kobori at the world famous Daitokuji school in Kyoto. By 1994, Rana had trained under numerous Tibetan gurus and with permission from one of his teachers, Tulku Ugren Rinpoche, he was permitted to start teaching ‘Maha Vipasyana’. The same year he gained the title Acharya from the renowned Rinpoche Karma Thinle.

In 1996, Rana decided to master ‘Tantrik Vipasyana’ techniques. Under the supervision of his teacher Chobgya Thrichen Rinpoche, 11 years ago he embarked upon a prolonged intense period of meditation and recently earned the title ‘Mahayogi Sridhar Rana Rinpoche'. Rinpoche is a Tibetan word meaning ‘precious gem’.

Before Rana began meditating, he started a group called Byom Kusum whose members translate Buddhist religious scriptures into Nepali and teach meditation techniques and other spiritual activities. They are also trying to revive the ancient traditions of Nigma, Kagya and Sakya in Nepal and India.

Apart from meditation, Rana has also been writing sermons for his students. His writings emphasise the comparative study of religion and attempt to explain Buddhism in a modern scientific way.

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Some interesting feedbacks published in this week's Times:

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Rana Rinpoche

From Issue #309 (04 August 06 - 10 August 06)


Being a Rana myself, I’m at loath to encounter bigoted behaviour among Ranas. They strongly cling to the vestiges of their autocratic past, and still harbour ambitions of returning to some sort of a system where they can retain their hold. Many of these families are very rich. They have lot to lose. That’s why we need a clean break from the past.

The abolishment of the monarchy is the only way we can achieve this. The caste system in our society is bad enough, the class these families bring, makes Nepali society look completely feudal. But let’s not lump all Ranas and Shahs together. Many are involved in grass root activities, supporting and working for the poor. Many Ranas are poor themselves. ‘A Rana becomes Rinpoche’ (#308) is an example of a non-stereotype Rana. For a Rana to break completely from the strong Hindu past, to become a Rinpoche and preach its message of peace and happiness, requires strong conviction. We must admire the man’s determination and dedication to do what he thought was the correct path. He is an example for the rest of us.

S Rana,
London

• Sridhar SJB Rana chose the path destined for him. Good for him. But I was a little intrigued by your title to the piece: ‘A Rana becomes Rinpoche’. As if the surname was something to be highlighted. A question to the editors: Rana is just another Nepali surname like Sharma, Chamar, Sherpa, Gurung, Yadab. So why should the fact that Sridhar is a Rana hold any significance? Feudal hangover?

Sam Sharma,
email

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