Join us for captivating live online discussion between Thuksong Bachen, a renowned expert on Tibetan precious stones, and CyberSangha host Jhama Lhamo. Their conversation will delve into the mystical world of coral, turquoise, and dzi agate — stones believed to be crafted in the heavens and once adorning demigods. These enigmatic gems have captivated imaginations across China, Taiwan, Burma, Mongolia, and Tibet for centuries. While the discussion will be conducted in Tibetan, Jhama Lhamo will provide consecutive English translation, making this event accessible to a global audience of both Tibetans and Western enthusiasts eager to unravel the secrets of these celestial treasures.
About the Presenters
Thuksong Bachen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. Born in 1979 in the picturesque Kham Derge region of Tibet, Bachen’s journey from his nomadic roots to becoming a prominent entrepreneur and cultural ambassador in New York City is truly remarkable. His expertise in Tibetan antiques, particularly dzi beads, was cultivated from a young age through his family’s involvement in the antique trade. Today, Bachen not only is the owner of the acclaimed Khampa Kitchen restaurant, he also runs a thriving Tibetan Market Store in New York, where he showcases his passion for preserving and promoting Tibetan cultural heritage. His unique perspective promises to shed new light on the legends and significance of these precious stones in Tibetan culture.
Jhama Lhamo (host), currently a resident student at Long Island University, Brooklyn, is pursuing a master’s degree in public health and biomedical sciences in New York. She completed her high school education at the Tibetan Children’s Village School in Bangalore, South India, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Shoolini University in Himachal Pradesh, India. Additionally, she recently produced a short documentary film spotlighting the Bodhisattvas in Action (BIA) Institute, a non-governmental organization situated in Gokarneshwar, Nepal.