Dr. Chistopher Bell will speak about his book of the same title. In Tibetan tradition, oracles have long shaped religious belief, prophecy, and public life. Among them, the Nechung Oracle has held a central role in advising the government, offering guidance on urgent affairs of state, and helping protect the current Dalai Lama after his escape from Tibet following the Communist takeover and his resettlement in India. 

Dr. Bell is Chair of Religious Studies at Stetson University. He earned his BA and MA in Religious Studies from Florida State University and his PhD from the University of Virginia, where he focused on Tibetan and Buddhist studies. 

Patti Rausch will be our service leader.