By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, November 10: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his first visit to Higashi Honganji Temple in Kyoto, Japan said that the one should try to become 21st century Buddhist instead of just carrying out rituals.
“I always emphasize that we Buddhists must efforts to become 21st century Buddhists through scientific study and experiment of Buddha’s teachings to find the reality which is the essence of Buddhism,” the Dalai Lama said, adding that since Japan is traditionally a Buddhist country, it is more comfortable to advise them to be 21st century Buddhist.
Speaking on ‘Essence of Buddhist Teachings’ to around 500 in the temple, the Tibetan spiritual leader said that developing a compassionate heart could become a force to make this century a peaceful century.
“Peace is not a mere absence of war or violence. It is deeper than that. What leads to inner peace is cultivating a compassionate heart. It is developing inner peace that creates peaceful individuals, communities, and a peaceful humanity,” the Dalai Lama said in response a question raised by a lady on how to apply understanding of emptiness to her profession.
The Dalai Lama also said that to demilitarize the world, people must first achieve internal disarmament. He said, “Although I may not see it in my lifetime, I am convinced that if we make a serious effort now, the world could become a more peaceful place in the latter part of the 21st century.”
Temple’s Chief Priest Otani Choujyun received the 81 year old Tibetan leader upon his arrival as a group of school children welcomed him with ‘Arigatou no hana’ song.
Before ending the talk, His Holiness and Chief Priest Otani released a joint statement stating, “Based on the Buddha’s teachings all of us gathered here today declare our commitment to do our best to create a better society in order to help everyone in the world achieve happiness.”
Tomorrow, His Holiness will begin to teach Shantideva’s ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’.
