Tibetan Information Office (TIO) is based in Canberra.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins 3-day teaching in Manali

His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the throne during the first day of the teaching at Manali. Photo/OHHDL

Kullu, Manali: On 13 August 2019, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was escorted to the teaching ground from Von Monastery in Manali.

His Holiness on arrival at the teaching ground overlooked at the monks performing the debates in the front.

Speaking on the establishment of Von Ngari monastery, His Holiness said that the monastery was initially built by the second Dalai Lama, Gedun Gyatso who felt that a monastery must be built for the monks of Ngari region in Tibet.

“This shows the unique relationship between the Dalai Lamas ans the monastery”, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness then gave a brief introduction to Buddhism to the devotees and said there are many people who follows buddhism in Kullu, Manali. including Tibetans, members from Lahaul and Spiti are also Buddhist followers. His Holiness noted that one’s belief in a religion is entirely ones choice while asserting that he doesn’t enforce or encourage the non-believers to follow any religion nor does he claims that Buddhism is the best religion. And for those who follows any religion, His Holiness said that its upto one’s preference and wish. If one follows according to one’s preference and wish, it will help one’s own mind. His Holiness thus stressed the importance of following religion based on one’s  own preference and inclination.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke about the teacher-disciple relation and said there should be pure motivation from both the teacher and the disciple.

His Holiness then asked the devotees to read and go through the texts to be taught tomorrow.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama overlooking as the monks practice debate on the teaching ground.