By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, February 24: Around 80 Buddhist teachers from all the major monasteries of Gelug School of the Tibetan Buddhism met for three days to discuss teaching methods, curriculum and means to improve the existing methods, at the Drepung Monastery in Mundgod Tibetan settlement, south India.
Tromthok Rinpoche, Abbot of Namgyal Monastery represented Gaden Phodrang, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as the Chief guest. Being the first of its kind, the assembly expressed its gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and prayed for his long life as well.
Ten masters each from Sera, Drepung, Gaden, Tashi Lhunpo, Ratoe, Namgyal Monastery, Gyutoe and Gyumed monastic schools participated in the discussion.
“Our main aim is to try and improve the ways of teaching Buddha’s teachings. Irrespective of old or new, it is important that we should examine if the method is helpful or not. The masters also should have full support of the Abbots and the administration,” said Lobsang Gyaltsen, Abbot of Gomang Monastery.
Expressing similar view, Lobsang Yeshi, Abbot of Loseling Monastery, said, “Everyone must discuss how to avoid the impairment of the three, ‘learning, contemplating and meditating’. And eradicating the causes of impairments will lead to a favorable and harmonious condition for further development.”
He said that it is wrong to develop only the external materialistic things and neglect the development of inner thoughts and mind. He also emphasized the importance of following the guidance of His Holiness wholeheartedly.
The gathering also deliberated on “the negative influences and hindrances on the monastic studies caused by smartphones, tablets and other gadgets.
Je Tsongkhapa founded Gelug tradition in 15th century and established the Ganden Monastery. The Ganden Tripa serves as the head of the tradition. The current Ganden Tripa is Kyabje Rizong Rinpoche 102nd in line.
