COMMUNITY
Venerable Lobzang Dorje was born Leon Pettiway and grew up in North Carolina with a Baptist upbringing . He received his Master ’ s degrees from the University of Chicago and the University of Cincinnati and his Doctorate degree from the University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin . He served on the faculties of Temple University , the University of Delaware , and Indiana University . He retired as Professor emeritus from Indiana University in June 2012 . He was introduced to Buddhism in 1999 . He became a novice monk in 2002 and w as fully ordained in 2005 . As a member of the Gelugpa Tradition , founded by Lama Je Tsongkhapa during the 14th and 15th centuries , he studied with Buddhist masters in America , Europe , India , and Nepal . Prior to the formulation of Herron-Morton center , Dorje taught weekly “ Introduction to Buddhism ” classes at the Bloomington monastery . After retirement from his academic career at Indiana University , he decided to create a place where he could devote time to his studies , but also a place where he could teach the dharma to others .
As an African American ordained monk Dorje hopes that more individuals of color will find their way to the Buddhist path since the Buddhist path is one that leads to personal liberation and a path to a more peaceful world . Over the months and years , he hopes to form a supporting organization that is socially engaged , benefitting the citizens of the Indianapolis area . ■
The blessing and open house of the Dagom Geden Kunkyob Ling Buddhist Monastery was on October 22 , 2016 . Venerable Lobzang Dorje plans to begin offering meditation and dharma classes in January 2017 . The center is located at 2123 N .
Pennsylvania St , Indianapolis IN 46202 .
INDIANA & YOGA MAGAZINE ISSUE 2 13