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Photo: OHHDL

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan and Buddhist leader, gave a three-day teaching in the Himalayan region of Ladakh in the north of India on July 28-30. More than 70,000 people from across the region gathered at the Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh as His Holiness explained Shantideva’s Entering the Way of a Bodhisattva and bestowed the empowerment of Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of great compassion.

On the first day of the teachings, His Holiness told the people gathered, “loving-kindness is the key to happiness”. He continued, “We experience it from the moment we are born and even when we reach the end of our lives, we will feel more comfortable and relaxed if we are surrounded by warm-hearted relatives and friends. In short, we are social animals and if we are warm-hearted towards others, we will lead happy lives.”

Citing China as an example, he said that at times “your so-called enemy can be your best teacher”. His Holiness further said that retaliation will not help in leading happy lives. He said to the devotees, “Although Tibetans have faced great hardship and misery at the hands of Chinese Communists, I advise them not to harbour feelings of hatred or vindictiveness.”

On the second day, His Holiness explained that Shantideva’s is an effective text to follow if one wishes to lead a meaningful life. He said, “Tibetans and people of the Himalayan region are familiar with mantras such the six-syllable mantra of Avalokiteshvara (Om mani padme hum) and mantra of Arya Tara (Om Taré Tuttaré Turé Svaha), but they should also consider themselves fortunate and try to lead a meaningful life by being warm-hearted and focused on ultimately attaining enlightenment.”

Crowd of over 45,000 gathered on Shiwatsel teaching ground
Photo: OHHDL

On the final day of the teaching, His Holiness bestowed the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment. As the teachings concluded, the devotees prayed for His Holiness’s long life.

The three-day teaching in Ladakh marks His Holiness’ first visit to the region since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, a Ladakhi delegation visited the Tibetan leader at his residence in Dharamshala and extended an invitation to visit Ladakh, on behalf of Ladakhi people.