MUNDGOD, December 23: Around thirty thousand devotees today assembled at the main assembly hall premises of the Ganden Jhangtse monastic university here for the teachings on 18 great stages of the path (Lamrim) by the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
In his introductory remarks prior to the teachings, the Tibetan leader said he feels privileged to be giving the sermon to over thirty thousand devotees including monks from the three monastic universities.
His Holiness said the ultimate purpose of all religious faith is happiness and that it is important to include even the non-believers in the efforts to bring happiness to humanity. He said work is already on to compile the non – religious concepts and ideas beneficial for humanity from the Kargyur Tengyur Buddhist canons for those who necessarily do not believe in any particular religious faith. “So this is for the entire humanity, not to become famous myself. We include in our daily prayers the happiness and welfare of all the sentient beings. So it is befitting for us to be of service to the 7 billion human beings”.
Referring to the expulsion of a German Bishop by Pope Francis last year, His Holiness said that the heads of the Tibetan Buddhist monastic community must also be more responsible and practical in dealing with spiritual figures who misuse their religious status.
“So all you abbots of the monastic universities are here, and also Gaden Tripa is here. You must expel anyone misusing religious position. You must be practical; otherwise it will be like a fool fooling another,” said His Holiness, who added that the Tibetan monastic community should follow the Pope in such situations.
The Tibetan leader said he would try to finish the remaining teachings on Lamrim that was started in 2012 this time. However, he said it was unlikely to wrap up the 700 pages of Jangchub Delam (Lamrim commentaries by Shamar Rinpoche) and Namdol Lamjang (Lamrim Commentaries by Trijang Rinpoche ) to be taught this time. “If I don’t finish it this time I will surely next year,” said the Tibetan leader.
