His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama preached a message of peace in a three-day teaching tour in Sansika, Farrukabad (Western Uttar Pradesh), the sacred ground that marks Gautam Buddha’s return to Earth. Interpreting lessons by Shantideva, he continues on his mission to make the 21st century an emblem of warm-heartedness and compassion.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Interacting with volunteers from Youth Buddhist Society in Sanikisa, UP. Photo: Tenzin Choejor
Arriving in Sansika on December 2, His Holiness’s three-day teaching schedule, from December 3 to 5, included teaching an understanding of Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhhisatva’s Way of Life (Chodjug). The religious teaching session was organised by the Youth Buddhist Society of India at their institute ground and was attended by about 15,000 people, included many Indian Buddhists from different states and about 400 devotees from 35 countries, reports tibetanreview.net.
On December 3, after paying his respects to the archaeological site in Sankisa, he cut the ribbon inaugurating an exhibition of Buddhist themed paintings, followed by an unveiling of the foundation stone for a proposed clinic and school. “It’s easy to see that the kinder and more affectionate we are to others, the more peaceful we are in ourselves and the more peaceful is the atmosphere in which we live and work”, His Holiness is quoted as saying in a report by dalailama.com.
The dalailama.com report continues, stating that he started his first session by addressing the issue of violence in the 20th century saying, “Looking back, we can see that there was too much violence at that time [20th century]. So many lives were sacrificed. If their loss had contributed to the creation of a better world, it might have been justified. But that was not the case.” Throughout the three days of sessions looking at the Buddhist text, His Holiness covered various areas concerning Ahimsa or non-violence. Noting the common belief in force as a solution to all problems of this century, he sidelined this as an outdated way of thinking and taught the importance of developing a sense of Karuna or compassion. He brought into notice the thriving arms industry and the harm it causes. The importance of religion at this time of material and industrial development was discussed.
After a brief vote of thanks, His Holiness flew back to Delhi on December 5.
Local school children reciting prayers on the second day of the teaching. Photo: OHHDL
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