A top Buddhist monk based in the US is to speak at Warwick Academy while on a trip to Bermuda, it was announced yesterday.

The Venerable Khenpo Migmar Tseten, Buddhist chaplain at Harvard University, will discuss his faith’s philosophy at the school next month.

Warwick Academy principal Maggie McCorkell, said the school was “delighted” to host Lama Migmar, one of the most senior Buddhists in America.

She said: “As a human rights-friendly school, we feel it is important to expose our community to different philosophies.

“To achieve success, not only in school, it is necessary to develop an awareness of how people think and to cultivate a compassionate mindset that transcends boundaries and affiliations.

“We are very privileged to have an opportunity to listen to such an eminent figure.”

It is believed to be the first time a Tibetan Lama has visited Bermuda and Lama Migmar will speak on “the four immeasurables — love compassion, joy and equanimity” at the school.

He is also scheduled to teach classes in meditation, mantra and yoga designed to ease the stresses of life at the Spirit House on Devonshire’s Middle Road.

Lama Migmar, who is also director of the Sakya Institute for Buddhist Studies in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was educated in India after fleeing Tibet in 1959 amid a crackdown by Communist China against a revolt against its occupation of the Himalayan nation.

He was awarded a medal for academic excellence by the Dalai Lama, the head of Buddhism, and has won numerous other awards for scholarship and service to his faith.

Lama Migmar has also led Buddhist retreats all over North America and Europe.

He will be on the island from Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 10 and classes will include medicine Buddha empowerment, said to promote healing and classes aimed at promoting calm, focus and increased energy.

The Warwick Academy event, which starts at 6.30pm, has a suggested entrance donation of $5 for students and $20 for adults — although organisers said no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

For more information on the Warwick Academy event or to pre-register, contact Heidi Smith, Head of Guidance and Learning Enrichment, on 239 9464.

For information on other events, contact dandmpstr@gmail.com.