By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, May 29: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama today concluded the three day introductory Buddhist teachings for Tibetan school and college students with the conferment of Avalokiteshvara Empowerment at Upper TCV school basketball court.
With a large attendance of Tibetan youth among the audience, the Tibetan leader emphasized on the importance of both traditional and modern education for overall development of a human being. “Modern Education is also very important but traditional education is no less important. As we say birds have two wings, right from the beginning we have thought of nurturing Tibetan children with both modern education and traditional education. Modern education of course helps external development and progress, for physical health and so forth, it’s very helpful but not to the mind, the mental peace, peace of mind and so great teachings on which our tradition is based are meant for inner peace.”
His Holiness advised the youth to reduce the self-centred attitude saying selfishness is the root cause of all problems. “Because we think only of ourselves and then there is also corruption and many other things. One of the most important news recently has been the corruption in the FIFA. So if people are so self-centred, they do not think of others and disregard others’ happiness and then bully others. Wherever they have the opportunity to bully others, they do so.”
His Holiness further noted the importance to have good motivation when receiving initiations and empowerment. He said one should not think of expanding life-span or getting power and wealth and success, nor to be born as humans or gods in next life but the motivation that one should bear to take part in this Initiation is to be just yourself. “You should think that all sentient beings want happiness just as yourself. You don’t want suffering just as all other sentient beings also do not want suffering,” added His Holiness.
He also said the Tibetans should take pride in the fact that Tibetans have been the lone custodian of the rich Nalanda Tradition of Buddhism and Tibetan Language. “All our efforts and energy have been put into the preservation of this Nalanda tradition of Buddhism. Therefore we can say that as Tibetans, we have not lost hope despite the hardships we faced. And language is something that is inevitable. It explains the complex philosophies and idea of Buddhism and other traditions and we have preserved this teaching of the Nalanda tradition through study, reflection and practice of meditation. This is what our ancestors had done and you have to feel proud to be Tibetans.”
From June 5 to 14, His Holiness is scheduled to visit Australia where he will give teaching and talk.
The Tibetan Children’s Village family offered a Long Life Prayer (Tenshug) to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he greeted students parading in front of him with the ritual offerings.
The President of TCV Schools, Tsewang Yeshi, expressed his gratitude to the Tibetan leader for blessing the children and staff with his presence for three days, and for accepting the long life offering.
