Published by: World Tibet Network News, Wednesday, June 26, 1996

LOS ANGELES, CA - Steven Seagal will serve as host to His Holiness the Third Drubwang Pedma Nordu (Penor) Rinpoche, the Supreme Head of the Nyingmapa tradition of Tibetan-Vajrayana Buddhism, during his first-ever visit to Los Angeles for a rare 3-part empowerment ceremony during the weekend of July 12-14, 1996, it was announced through the actor's Steamroller Productions, today.

The ceremony, called "The Net of Illusory Manifestations" and taken from the tantra: "The Essence of the Secret Nature As It Is," is the single most important empowerment of the Distant Tantric Tradition. It has been passed down to Penor Rinpoche, one of the most highly-regarded Tibentan Buddhist teachers and one of the most accomplished meditation masters in the world, in an unbroken lineage stretching back 2,500 years.

The three-day event will take place at The Harmony of Gold Building Auditorium, 7655 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles. It will begin with a preparation stage from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., Friday, July 12, at which time disciples will receive instruction for the empowerment. The actual ceremony will take place from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. on both Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14. The Teachings will be translated by Sangye Khandro.

Tickets are available for $300 (first three rows), $200 (rows 4-10) and $100 (general admission). Interested parties are directed to make their tax-deductible checks out to Yeshe Nyingpo. To R.S.V.P. or for more information on the event or on the visit of H.H. Penor Rinpoche to Lo s Angeles, contact Steamroller Productions at (213) 850-2940.

Following his appearance in Los Angeles, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche will be in San Francisco from July 19-23.

For more information on his activities in the Bay Area, contact (415) 495-0995.