By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, August 31: Lack of compassion has caused most of the major man-made problems in the contemporary world, said the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama here on Wednesday. “We must use our common sense to see the importance of love and compassion. I see the promotion of the essence of Buddha Dharma, which is compassion, as the most important aspect. It is not to propagate Buddhism but for the world peace,” the Dalai Lama said while adding that we should promote compassion if we want a peaceful and harmonious future.
The Tibetan leader further said that an individual with a compassionate approach toward others will not inflict harm on others, adding that a compassionate mind is also beneficial in terms of good health, peace of mind, long life and a harmonious society.
“The main purpose of this gathering is to create a compassionate world for all the seven billion human beings. So it is our common responsibility to promote and make this world a more compassionate world,” the 81-year old spiritual leader said during the third day of the teachings on Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland of the Middle Wayteachings.
The Nobel Peace Laureate also stated that the teachings of Buddha and the Nalanda masters are to guide us towards liberation.
His Holiness said religious practitioners must also voice their concern for the world environment, besides their usual practice of religion. Drawing comparison from Buddha’s deeds, the Tibetan leader said that Buddha was born under a tree instead of a palace; he attained enlightenment under a tree instead of a cave; and passed away under a tree and not in a temple surrounded by his disciples.
His Holiness also shared that in various scriptures it is said that Lord Buddha had promoted the protection and enrichment of the ecology. “There were not much of environmental problems back then. However, its protection is a must in today’s world as it is reaching a critical point with global warming and increasing world population.”
The Tibetan leader will bestow the Avalokiteshwara initiation tomorrow, the last day of the four-day teachings, which started on August 29 at the request of a group from Asia.
