Photo: OHHDL
His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at the Shri Ram School, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, India on September 20 where he was welcomed by the Chairperson, Arun Bharat Ram, the Director and Principal. The talk, Educating the Heart and Mind, was organised by The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) and took place with a gathering of 2,400 students from 84 schools in New Delhi.
Before beginning with his talk, His Holiness lit a lamp to convey his thanks to the organisers and the warm welcome by the students.
In his address, His Holiness told the students that the future is in the hands of youth, as the past cannot be changed but it acts as learning for all. He added, “If you make an effort to create a happy society, I believe that within this century you can change the world”.
His Holiness also spoke about the importance of compassion towards others, “Scientists tell us that basic human nature is compassionate. Clearly, since we are social animals, we should consider all seven billion human beings as the community we belong to. Thinking just of ‘my nation’ or ‘my people’ is out of date”.
His Holiness continued, saying that during the 20th century, thinking of others in terms of “us” and “them” led to division, resulting in fighting and killing. Since all seven billion human beings are mentally, physically and emotionally the same, “you young people today need to cultivate a sense of the oneness of humanity”. We need to work together to meet challenges that affect us all, such as the climate crisis. We cannot simply exploit this planet and its natural environment. Our duty is to take care of it. The warnings about the dangers we have face by the scientists needs to be taken seriously.
Over 2400 students and teachers from 84 schools in Delhi attended His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s talk
Photo: OHDDL
His Holiness also spoke about ahimsa, non-violent conduct and Karuna and compassionate motivation. Examples cited included leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who inspired Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. He went on to mention material development and the negligence of ancient Indian knowledge, as well as the importance of a mother’s love in developing compassion.
While answering several questions from the audience, His Holiness pointed out that rebirth is not a matter of physical continuity, but continuity of the mind. The substantial cause of a moment of mind is a previous moment of mind. He cited cases of young children he has met, Indians and Tibetans, who have clear memories of their previous lives.
His Holiness concluded by reciting his own favourite prayer, from Shantideva’s Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life:
For as long as space endures
And for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I too abide
To dispel the misery of the world.
Pritha, a teacher from Shri Ram School Moulsari, said that she felt humble and overwhelmed and could sense the love radiating within herself and that she is motivated to live by the teachings of His Holiness.
A student asking His Holiness the Dalai Lama a question
Photo: OHHDL
Christopher Kerber, a professor from Heritage International Xperiential School, Gurugram, commented that he was deeply moved by His Holiness’s talk on reconstruction of the education system for mental and personal growth of the individual and the world. He found the interaction relevant for his work as an educator to bring upon a change in society which will ultimately help the future generation to solve individual and global problems.
For Anoushka from Shri Ram School, Moulsari, meeting His Holiness Dalai Lama was a special opportunity. She found His Holiness’s talk about youth and the responsibilities of the young very empowering and beautiful.
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