The University of Hawai'i-Manoa departments of religion, philosophy and history are jointly offering a free public lecture by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Khen Rinpoche Gehse Kachen Lobzang Tsetan, the abbot of Tashi Lhunpo in exile.

The talk, "The Panchen Lama and Tashi Lhunpo: Past, Present and Future," will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Architecture Auditorium (Architecture 205).

Tsetan lectures at universities throughout the United States, and is working with the Panchen Lama-Tashi Lhunpo Project, set up to assist the abbot of Tashi Lhunpo in exile, to fulfill the Dalai Lama's request to preserve the traditions of a special Tibetan Buddhist lineage associated with him and the 11th Panchen Lama, as recognized by the Dalai Lama.

The Panchen Lama is currently being held by the Chinese government.

As Tibetan-China relations grow strained, Tsetan's lectures spark controversy. Last month, at the University of Southern California, Chinese youths protested his talks; one flung a water bottle at the podium.

Cellist Michael Fitzpatrick will perform a short piece as part of the Manoa event.

Information: 956-8299.