Dr. Rachel Pang

Sunday October 20th, 2024. 6pm uk time
Online via Zoom

Shabkar’s Non-Sectarian Thought and Activities

Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdröl (1781-1851) was one of the most celebrated composers of songs of spiritual realization, or mgur, in Tibetan Buddhist history. He is considered to be an emanation of the eleventh-century poet-saint Milarepa. Shabkar was active in the eastern Tibetan province of Amdo, and also traveled extensively across the Tibetan plateau. He is most famous for his autobiography, songs, promotion of vegetarianism, and non-sectarian activities. In this talk, Dr. Rachel Pang will give an overview about who Shabkar was, his significance, and his non-sectarian thoughts and activities through his poetry.

About the speaker

Dr. Rachel Pang is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Davidson College. She received her Ph.D. and M.A. degrees from the University of Virginia in the History of Religions, with a focus on Tibetan and Chinese religions. Her Hon. B.A. in English and Religion is from the University of Toronto. Dr. Pang’s research focuses on the non-sectarian movement in nineteenth century eastern Tibet, Buddhist life writing, Tibetan song and poetry, animal ethics, Buddhist nationalism, and the collected works of Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol (1781-1851). Her book, Singer of the Land of Snows: Shabkar, Buddhism, and Tibetan National Identity (UVa Press, 2024) examines Shabkar’s role in the development of the idea of Tibet in the nineteenth century. In addition, she has published numerous research articles and translations in a/b: Auto/biography Studies, Himalaya, Numen, Journal of Buddhist Ethics, Journal of Inter-Religious Studies, Revue d’Etudes Tibétaines, several edited volumes, and lotsawa.org.

Useful websites

Rachel Pang’s website 
Free & high quality materials of Shabkar’s work:
https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/shabkar/
https://treasuryoflives.org/biographies/view/Zhabkar-Tsokdruk-Rangdrol-/4611