On Sunday, 7 September 2025, Shedroup Tengyeling Buddhist Institute organised an enlightening debate centred on the Four Principal Commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The event held at Karma Gyamtsoling Institute, Schoten in Antwerpen, saw the participation of representatives from both Pali and Sanskrit tradition of Buddhism.

The debate featured scholars Ven. Sonam Wangchuk from Italy Buddhist Institute, Geshe Lharampa Ven. Ngawang Soepa from the Netherlands Buddhist Institute, Ven. Gyurmey, Ven. Geshe Dorjee and Khenpo Tashi Tsering was attended by a diverse audience all eager to engage in the discussion surrounding His Holiness’ life, contributions and achievements.

Venerable Ranyak Partul Rinpoche and Mr Carlo Luyckx, President of Belgium Buddhist Union were the special guests. Other guests included Venerable Metok Rinpoche, Lama Zeupa, Executive director of Karma Gyamtsoling Karel Bolckmans and Accountant Tenzin Nordhen, of the Office of Tibet Brussels.

The Chief Guest of the occasion Representative Rigzin Genkhang addressed the audience with a keynote speech that underscored the importance of His Holiness’ commitment to shaping a world grounded in compassion, peace and respect for all, irrespective of the background. More significantly, she called on the audience to reflect and embrace it in their daily lives.

Taking the opportunity, Representative Genkhang acknowledged the presence of Phra Khruvinaithorn Somsak Subhalert, the chief monk of Wat Dhammapateep Thai Temple in Mechelen.  She also recognised Ven. Geshe Tseten Phuntsok of Shedroup Tengeyling Buddhist Institute and his team’s efforts in organising the vital debate that inspire the community and representatives of other faiths to engage deeply with the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Each session of the debate was followed by a Q&A, which allowed attendees to engage directly with the speakers. In the afternoon, a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday was organised. This was followed by cultural performances from the three traditional provinces of Tibet.

The event was supported by Tibetan Buddhist centres and Tibetan Associations in Belgium, in the global observance of the Year of Compassion and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.