By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, June 27: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Wednesday concluded teachings and Avalokiteshvara initiation in Padum, Zanskar, calling upon the local people to eliminate the practice of caste based discrimination.
“Earlier during my one visit to Ladakh, I found out that some castes were considered lower caste and others don’t eat and drink with them. Monks also don’t go to their house to perform prayers. This practice was called as Serlam Ched (barred from prayer rituals). But I went along with them and took a picture with them,” said the Dalai Lama.
“I have also heard of caste discrimination practices in Zanskar and had suggested it would be good if a lower caste person served me my tea and bread some years ago. But to my disappointment, right after my talk, a case of caste discrimination was reported from here. This is very sad. If you don’t listen and act as I say, I don’t need to come here and you can do whatever you like. If you have believe and faith in me, do as I say.”
He further said that it is against Buddha’s teaching that in some part of Tibet monasteries don’t enroll people who belongs to a family of blacksmith or butcher.
A long life prayer ceremony (Tenshug) was offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the local people of Zanskar. The Tibetan Nobel Laureate also visited a school which was set up from his seed money. The Tibetan leader also interacted with the students.
Lama Chospel Zodpa, a former politician from Ladakh region, said he was very satisfied with the visit of the Tibetan leader to Zanskar region, and that the people felt really overwhelmed by the visit and teachings.
His Holiness will give a teaching on The Heart Sutra at Likir Monastery on July 1. From 3 to 5 July His Holiness the Dalai Lama will lead consecration rituals for the Kalachakra venue. From 6 to 8 July, His Holiness will give preliminary teachings on Nagarjuna’s Letter to a Friend. His Holiness will confer the Kalachakra Initiation from 10 to 12 July. On 13 July, His Holiness will confer a long life empowerment and accept long-life prayer offering.
