Photo: OHHDL
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the 83-year-oldspiritual leader of Tibetans and Buddhist across the world, concluded a four-day teaching to over 6,000 people gathered in the main temple in Dharamshala, Tsuglakhang, on September 7. The teaching, which was on Buddhapalita’s Commentary on the Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way, was organisedat the request of his followers from Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.
On the first day of the teaching, His Holiness begin by saying, “What I usually talk about, wherever I am in the world, is that I am a human being; just one among many. If the people of the world are happy, I’m happy. When the world is in turmoil, I’m sad. We human beings are all the same in wanting to be happy and not wanting to suffer and yet many of the problems we face are of our own making. We seek happiness in external things without realising that they don’t help when we have problems within. We need to focus instead on the joy that comes with peace of mind that allows us to remain happy whatever happens.”
His Holiness also reiterated that love and compassion is the root of happiness.
On the final day of the teaching, His Holiness answered questions from the audience. He began by explaining that the real meaning of Dharma is warm-heartedness, “If you can, serve others, but at least avoid doing them harm, that’s possible whatever your occupation. It’s important to make your Dharma practice part of your daily life. It’s not about just closing your eyes and remaining in isolation. There’s nothing wrong with making money; it’s something we need. And there are many people who are both poor and lack an education who you can help. So, try to be warm-hearted, honest and truthful, while helping others as much as you can”.
Members of the 6,000 crowd taking Bodhisattva vows given by His Holiness on the third day of teaching
Photo: OHHDL
Answering a question about maintaining peace of mind in the face of disturbing news, His Holiness said that modern education is oriented towards material goals which leads children to grow up seeking sensual gratification and fulfillment of material aspirations. He stressed the importance of restoring interest in the ancient knowledge of the workings of the mind and emotions.
This teaching is the continuation from last year’s teaching on the same topic, at the request of the same Asian groups. On September 10, His Holiness will leave Dharamshala for a visit to Europe that will include events in Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.
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