Three Day Teaching on Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life

By Tenzin Samten / August 1, 2017;

Photo: OHHDL

His Holiness the Dalai Lama concluded his series of teachings in Ladakh with a three-day teaching, Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life at the Shiwatsel teaching ground which started on June 28 and was attended by over 40,000 people. His Holiness explained that he was taught the guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Shantideva by the Kinnauri Master Tenzin Gyaltsen in 1967 and said that the Master assured him then that no greater explanation of how to cultivate the awakening mind of Bodhichitta had been composed since this book was written in the eighth century.

Before speaking on the texts, His Holiness reiterated the importance of cultivating love and compassion in today’s world, saying this can give greater peace of mind in the face of the constant anger and fear which are bad for health and trigger mistrust.

His Holiness quoted the Buddha who said that the mind can be tamed, and when it is tamed, this is conducive to happiness. His Holiness added, “Buddhas do not wash unwholesome deeds away with water, nor do they remove the sufferings of beings with their hands. Neither do they transplant their own realisation into others. They liberate [beings] by teaching the truth of suchness”.

On the second day of the teaching His Holinnes said that it is important to rely on a teacher who is fully qualified. Referring to people who seeking pleasure in music, movies, food and fashions, His Holiness said that this is sensory gratification which even animals can achieve and stressed that what makes human beings different is their unique intelligence and an ability to find happpiness in peace of mind.

Ladakhi artists during the long life
offering ceremony
Photo: OHHDL

The organisers of the teaching– Ladakh Buddhist Association – estimated that 60,000 people attended the final day’s teaching. In conclusion, His Holiness gave a White Tara LongLife Empowerment which was followed by a Long Life prayer offering to His Holiness. His Holiness promised that he will be back next year if his health is good.

The concluding ceremony was joined by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed.

His Holiness’s next set of teachings will be in Botswana next month.