His Holiness the Dalai Lama Prescribes Compassion to End Suffering

By Anisha Francis / October 10, 2018;

In order to end human suffering, one needs to foster compassion and selflessness—and not rely on prayer alone, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said during his four-day Uma Jukpa discourse held at Dharamshala October 3 – 6.

Photo:Tenzin Phende

“It is important to recognise that suffering is rooted in ignorance. We remain subject to ignorance as long as we think of the ‘I’ as an independent being and continue to have this distorted view of reality,” said the Dalai Lama in his introductory teachings, speaking to a crowd of over 6,500 people packed into the courtyard of the Tsuglakhang temple, the main temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The devotees had travelled from 67 countries to hear the Tibetan leader elaborate on one of the most famous works of seventh century Buddhist scholar Chandrakirti,Introduction to the Middle Way. Among them were at least 1,000 pilgrims from Taiwan, belonging to the International Association of Tibetan Buddhist Dharma in Taiwan.

Explaining that the Buddhas do not wash away our suffering or bestow their blessings to end our mental afflictions, toxic emotions or negative karma, His Holiness stressed the importance of taming the mind through meditation, and leading an altruistic life in order to be able to liberate oneself. “I read a report that elderly people are increasingly experiencing loneliness and depression; but if one is able to cultivate compassion and bodichitta, they will never feel lonely,” said the Dalai Lama, adding that he has for the past 50 years given deep thought to awakening the mind to bodichitta.

“During Buddha’s time, ancient religious teachings of psychology already existed in India, including practices to interpret past life memories, as well as to use meditation and concentration in order to bypass the problematic ‘desire realm’ in favour of the peaceful ‘formless realm’,” said the octagenarian leader, adding that Buddha followed these very same practices after renouncing his kingdom. “The true essence of Buddha’s teaching is also what every other world religion teaches- do not harm others, be kind and cultivate a wealth of virtue by taming your mind,” His Holiness reiterated.

To express their gratitude, a group of Taiwanese devotees recited a prayer for the Dalai Lama’s long life.