His Holiness during the teaching in Dharamshala
Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave teachings for three days from November 11 – 13. The teachings were on “Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland of the Middle Way” as requested by a group of Korean Buddhists. The teachings were held at Dharamshala’s main Buddhist temple, Tsuglakhang. His audience numbered some 4,000 people with approximately 350 Korean Buddhists and 900 visitors from 57 countries.
His Holiness began the teachings with an introduction to Buddhism. He emphasized that despite the differences among religions in the world, their primary purpose is to help others and this is the reason religions are needed in the world.
His Holiness asked his Korean audience how many people commit suicide in their country and their answer was “30 to 50 people each dayand most of them are students and the aged”. His Holiness added: “Many people in developed countries have stress, the reasons being: not believing in each other; contesting; self-cherishing; dishonesty; arguing and selfishness.” He said that this problem cannot be solved by material things, but that all religions give us hope to resolve these things, so religions are essential in the world.
The Dalai Lama also pointed out that “no matter whether you are a believer or a non-believer, it is important to have compassion and loving kindness”. He continued, “if we want peace in the world in this century, we need it to be the compassion century and compassion from studying as well as dialogue and understanding”.
Local Tibetans and visiting foreigners greet His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he arrives to start the teaching
Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
On the morning of November 12, the second day of the teaching, His Holiness mentioned that you shouldn’t change your own religion, because your own religion may be suitable for you as it’s your ancestors’ religion, but it is important to respect all religions. “I always emphasise that we must be 21st century Buddhists, that is to obtain our faith through knowledge and dialogue, it is not to believe blindly. So you Korean audiences have to be such Buddhists” continued His Holiness.
“Because of narrow mindedness and misunderstanding, many conflicts have occurred among religions, even Buddhism, which is extremely disappointing”, he said, and continued that it is important not to be deceived by ourselves.
On the third day of the teaching, His Holiness said that bodhicitta (the mind enlightenment) is the basis of compassion. He continued, the practice of great compassion should be focused on those who are suffering and we must have courage to liberate human beings from the ocean of suffering.
The teaching concluded with His Holiness conferring the Empowerment for everyone attending the teaching, and was followed by a question and answer session for the Koreans present.
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