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Love Panel and Dessert Party

A light-hearted look at love

KELSANG TSOGLAM: The modern Buddhist nun will zone in on your love issues. Photo credit: Melanie Casey

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How do I love others the way I love my dog?  How do I know if the relationship is working? What are some tips for being more patient with my partner and everyone else? How can we sort out raising a child with two religions? How can I tell if I am giving too much in the relationship?

According to Kelsang Tsoglam, resident teacher and love panel expert, these are questions that have come up at past Love Panel and Dessert Parties, an event where people can gather, have a Q&A with three Buddhist teachers who will answer questions about love and relationships from the Buddhist point-of-view, and eat delicious appetizers and desserts.

Based out of Olympia Mahayana Buddhist Center, Tsoglam and a panel of two other teachers are happy to bring this year's event to Tacoma Friday, Feb. 8.

"People seem to find the Buddhist view on love and relationships very helpful, and leave the event feeling quite cherished," says Tsoglam. "I think the inspiration for the event was that people are genuinely confused by love, and relationships in general, and the teachings on Loving-Kindness simply clear things up. Because the questions are put into a ‘fishbowl' and asked anonymously, people feel comfortable opening up a bit, and everyone benefits from the answers since there are so many similar themes in our relationships.

"Of course, we do serve amazing desserts too," adds Tsoglam, who was a chef for many years in New York City. We will serve French classic, tart au citron and coeur a lá créme and some nice homey desserts like brownies a la mode and serious cookies, as well as favorites like cheesecake. We'll also have some rockin' hot chocolate!"

The group that takes Buddhism seriously also makes meditation and learning accessible. Besides classes that require careful consideration and attention, they offer fun activities such as Good Karma Bowl-A-Rama, and of course the Love Panel and Dessert Party.

"We refer to the event as a light-hearted look at love, and it really is, although serious questions are asked and answered," she says. 

Tsoglom is looking forward to hosting the event in Tacoma.

"I have secretly fallen in love with Tacoma and am so happy we have such a welcoming and beautiful space for people to learn about meditation and the timeless wisdom of Buddha. The meditation room is blissfully quiet, by the way. This event will be a great introduction to the center since it is about food and love. Perhaps the two things we think the most about."

Meditate in Tacoma, Buddhist Love Panel and Dessert Party, Friday, Feb. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $12, Sprague /United Way Building, 1501 Pacific Ave., Suite #301, Tacoma, meditateinolympia.org

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