Teachings in McLeod Ganj

By Sean Fitzpatrick / October 11, 2013;

Photo: CTA

His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a four day public address at Tsuglakhang, the main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, starting September 30. The teachings were given at the request of Taiwanese followers and 900 people came from Taiwan to hear him, together with over 5,200 people who had travelled from 56 countries.

The teachings examined Nagarjuna’s Sixty Stanzas of Reasoning and Tsongkhapa’s Concise Treatises on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, with a wider theme of religious peace and tolerance.

His Holiness called for respect between the major faiths of the world, and spoke of their common goal of cultivating compassion among their followers. He told listeners that, just as the Buddha changed his teachings to suit his audience, so religions cater for the different mentalities of their followers.

He spoke of the necessity of both science and religion, and how they must work together for the benefit of all sentient beings. His Holiness said that the 21st century Buddhist must have a rational understanding of the Buddha’s teachings, and recalled the Buddha’s instruction that his teachings be “tested like gold”, and not taken on faith.

900 Taiwanese came to hear His Holiness Photo: CTA

900 Taiwanese attended the teaching
Photo: CTA

He also warned that spiritual seekers must be very careful when searching for a guide, saying that is better to wait for twelve years than to follow a teacher who does not preach the true Dharma.

Anna and Maxim attended the teachings. They moved to Dharamsala from Russia eight years ago and are studying Tibetan and Buddhist Philosophy at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, They wanted to share some of their reflections with Contact Magazine: “We come to hear The Dalai Lama because he is one of a few teachers in the world who truly embody the teachings of the Buddha”, they said. “He doesn’t only preach love and compassion, but he lives it too.” They also praised the universal nature of The Dalai Lama’s message. “The Buddha spoke only in his own language, but whoever listened could understand it. Like him, The Dalai Lama gives his teachings to thousands of people at once, but if you pay attention, then you will find something in his teachings which is personal to you.”

To watch the teachings, visit The Dalai Lama’s website at http://dalailama.com/webcasts