Tibetan teacher promotes Universal Compassion Movement during Missoula visit, organizers plan local chapter

Geshe la, head of the Universal Compassion Movement, spoke to a Missoula audience about the movement’s goals and activities and encouraged local support on matters including monk sponsorship and monastery projects.

The visit, arranged by local organizers, included a public talk and a short meditation; organizers said they will "do our best to start a local chapter for the Universal Compassion Movement here in Montana." The event also highlighted a website with opportunities "to sponsor monks" and other movement activities, organizers said.

Geshe la, who was introduced by an event organizer, described his long association with the movement and said the visit followed a recent retreat at Shravasti Abbey in Washington. "He's an amazing teacher," an organizer said when introducing him, and Geshe la addressed the audience about compassion, interfaith respect and practical steps people can take to support sentient beings.

Organizers named Georgia Milan and an individual identified as Tom in the event remarks; a person named Terry offered the meeting space for the public talk on Good Friday.

Audience members asked about specifics including vegetarian practice, the Tibetan resettlement project and the economic and cultural challenges of exile communities. Geshe la responded that the movement supports practical steps such as sponsoring monks and encouraging compassionate practices in daily life.

The organizers said they will promote the Universal Compassion Movement’s website to allow people to sponsor monks and support monastery projects. There was no formal vote or municipal action during the event.

Attendance included a question-and-answer period after the talk; organizers said the session and the planned local chapter are intended as community outreach rather than a formal organizational launch.