Public gathered to hear His Holiness at Thiksey Monastery
Photo:OHHDL
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who turned 81 last month, is continuing his full schedule of teachings around the world on compassion, non-violence and general teachings on Buddhism.
His Holiness arrived inLadakhin north India on July 25 for a programme of events and teachings. His first was a visit to the Jokhang temple, and on his way there he stopped to bless a few elderly people in the crowd and also spoke to a tourist from Nice in France and expressed his condolences for the recent tragedy there. At Jokhang temple, His Holiness read prayers and advised people to use temples as centres of learning as well as a place of worship, saying that a knowledge of Buddhism is essential in order to be a true Buddhist. He then visited the Sunni and Shia Mosques where he explained the need for diversity of religion, saying “Different philosophies are necessary. For well over two thousand years, different ways of life developed…because of different environments. So there are different mental dispositions. Therefore it is necessary to have different philosophical views”.
On August 5, His Holiness visited Ngagyur Dragthok Monastery where he inaugurated the new prayer hall. In his address to the public, he spoke about the importance of studying Buddhist texts and developing faith based on logic and reason as well as the need for warm-heartedness and compassion along with material development. “I have reached 81 but I still study and contemplate on texts from the Kagyur and Tengyur and others whenever I have spare time,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to members of the Shia and Sunni communities at the Shia Mosque in Leh
His Holiness then visited Zangdok Palri Monastery to take part in a conference celebrating Thonmi Sambhota, who is traditionally regarded as the inventor of Tibetan script. Later, at SOS Tibetan Children’s Village School in Choglamsar he addressed a crowd of 5,000, and spoke about Tibetan identity and the effort to preserve the unique Tibetan culture and language. He said that just as the Chinese people are proud of their ancient heritage, Tibetans too are proud to be Tibetans and to make efforts to preserve their rich heritage. He said “Unfortunately, some hard-line Chinese officials see our Tibetan identity as a threat to separate Tibet from China. Therefore, they have tried to eliminate our Tibetan culture and language”.
On August 8, His Holiness participated in the opening ceremony of Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics at Saboo in Ladakh and also visited a monastery and school in the villages of Saboo and Stok.
His Holiness holding a medal presented to him by Thiksey Rinpoche
Photo: OHHDL
His Holiness inaugurated the fourth Great Summer Religious Council (Yarcho Chenmo) held from August 9 – 22 at Thiksey monastery which was attended by Buddhist monks and nuns from all traditions, as well as students from twenty schools and the public. Thiksey Rinpoche presented an award to His Holiness in celebration of his 81st birthday.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s formal teachings at Ladakh began on August 10 with a teaching on Atisha’s Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment (Jangchup Lamdron) and Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta (Jangchup Semdrel) to be followed by a long life empowerment and offer a long life prayer at Thiksey monastery. Later, His Holiness will give teaching on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life at Shewatsel Teaching Ground and on August 21, His Holiness will conclude his teaching by conferring the Avalokiteshhvera Initiation.
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