His Holiness teaching the crowd on June 5, 2019
Photo: Lobsang Tsering / OHHDL
His Holiness the Dalai Lama concluded a set of teachings amidst a crowd of thousands at the main temple complex in McLeod Ganj on June 5. The assembly of students, monks, foreigners and new disciples gathered for a lecture that concluded a set of two teachings during the first week of June.
The three-day teachings began with His Holiness explaining the text of The Thirty Seven Practices of a Bodhisatva to the audience. This fundamental text includes principles of compassion, meditation, and mindfulness. According to His Holiness’s official website, approximately 8,000 members of the public, 800 Tibetan college students and 400 Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) students attended the teaching.
Tibetan students listening to His Holiness teaching
Photo: OHHDL
His Holiness began the teachings by addressing the attendees of varied ethnicities and backgrounds with a message of inclusivity: “You may be born in India or other countries, but you’re all Tibetans. We all carry the name Tibetan; so, till death, this will continue—you will carry the name of a Tibetan.” The first day’s teaching by His Holiness was followed by teachings by senior scholars of the temple.
His Holiness poses with the 23 teams of young Tibetans from across the world who are participating in the 25th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup football tournament
Photo: OHHDL
On the final day, His Holiness returned to present the Avalokiteshvara Initiation at the behest of the Dzonga Choede Monastery. 11,000 attendees amassed in the main temple complex according to official estimates. This gathering included 23 teams of young Tibetan athletes from across the world participating in the 25th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup football tournament. His Holiness took the time to greet and pose with the teams.
These teachings are attributed to Avalokiteshvara, agreat Bodhisatva deity who embodies the essence of compassion. His Holiness described his encounters with the deity through dream-based visions—and referred to Avalokiteshvara as his “boss.” His Holiness also taught the six-syllable mantra Om Manipadme Hum, among other lessons. This mantra is designed to help transform a disciple’s body, speech and mind toward that of a Bodhisatva.
Crowd attending the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment in the courtyard of the Main Tibetan Temple
Photo: OHHDL
His Holiness presented these teachings in Tibetan with an English translation immediately available, and further languages will be provided shortly. The recordings are available at www.dalailama.com/videos. His Holiness’ next scheduled appearance in Dharamshala will be in July.
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