Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama started his teachings today, the 7th of June at 9.30 a.m. at the Tsuglagkhang Temple., Dharamshala. Of the 6000 people who have registered, 1100 are Indian Buddhists. The three days of teachings on 'Introductory Buddhist Teachings' which will include Kamalashila's 'The Middling Stages of Meditation' (gomrim barpa).
First His Holines the Dalai Lama greeted all the guests with a special mention for the Indian Buddhists from the Himalayas. He said that India is the source of Buddhism and so Indians are not senior students but 'gurujis' ('teachers' in Sanskrit) and he respects them.
"I always say that we're 21st century Buddhists and so everyone who practices religion should not just chant and pray. They should know the ideology of the religion and how to practice the religion. If one does not understand the religion and how to practice and just says that this is the religion of my ancestors then he cannot be a perfect practitioner." His Holiness said.
76-year-old Nobel peace prize laureate talked about how nowadays when people are asked about their faith, they state one religion but they do not practice it. It's just physical and not from your heart.
When they do practice, they lie, threaten and bully other people. This shows that people don't understand the real religion and they don't feel it at heart. They just follow customs.
He then talked about Buddhism. One should know how and why they practice Buddhism. Then he is free to follow Buddhism. If you want to follow Buddhism, you need to know exactly how to practice. If you want to know, you have to listen to the teachings from Lamas and other teachers. Without listening to them, one cannot truly understand the religion.
Buddha had many different teachings all his speeches include his books. You have to practice and train your mind according to his teachings and books. Without practice and training your mind, even if you do see the real Buddha, you cannot attain enlightenment.
On 9th of June, the teachings will be completed. The translations of the teachings are available in Japanese, English and Hindi. A live webcast of the teachings is also available in English, Tibetan and Russian on www.dalailama.com
Please see more photos of the event today: Link of the gallery
