Dharma practitioners from the LGBT community face numerous obstacles both in life and in the practice of dharma. In his morning talk, The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche teaches about the Buddhist path of practice, skillfully relating each topic to issues that arise for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community of practitioners. The topics Rinpoche addresses include conceptual labeling and discrimination, working with the emotion of desire or passion in the three yanas, and cultivating healthy relationships. Rinpoche concluded by talking about Buddha's teaching on the fundamental nature and potential of all sentient beings. The afternoon session of this program was devoted to questions and answers. This teaching provides a precious opportunity for dharma practitioners in the LGBT communty to hear a major Buddhist lineage holder teach and answer questions about Buddhist views and practice as they relate to LGBT issues.

Heart to Heart: A Program for the LGBT Dharma Community, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Vajra Echoes, 2 DVDs, $24.00

The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche is acknowledged as one of the foremost scholars of his generation in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Fluent in English and well-versed in Western culture, Rinpooche has worked to develop and adapt traditional Tibetan education curriculums for Western audiences. Nitartha Institute (www.nitharthainstitute.org), where Rinpoche is the main teacher, provides a focused Buddhist studies program. Rinpoche is a visiting professor of buddhist philosopy at Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado. In 1997, Rinpoche founded Nalanabodhi to preserve the genuine lineage of the Nyingma and Kagyu Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. There are Nalandabodhi centers in North America and Europe, and curriculum materials are available to people worldwide.