RIGA: Tibetan Buddhist leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday advocated study and critical inquiry of Tibetan Buddhist tradition, asking his devotees to approach Tibetan Buddhism through reason and inquiry.
“As followers of Buddha, I urge you all to investigate and reflect on what you discover in the teachings. In this way, whatever conclusion you reach will be based on reason, not simply on blind faith,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, as he concluded the 3-day teachings for Russian and Baltic Buddhists in Latvia today.
He said, “It is upto an individual whether one wants to follow a particular religion or not follow any. But the Buddhist philosophy is something of benefit to everyone; irrespective of whether you are a practitioner or not.
He argued that Buddhist tradition is based on reason, nature of reality and logic. “Mere faith is not sufficient. You must pursue the study of this tradition. “Buddhist practice is to use our intelligence to the maximum and transform our emotions”.
Following the introductory talk, His Holiness conferred the Avalokisteswara Empowerment, Chenrezig Jenang.
“Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas. As Tibetans, we say that we are especially cared for by the Avalokiteshwara and that’s true. Those of us born in the land of snow have some connection with Avalokiteshvara.
“Tibetan emperors like Songtsen Gampo and others were the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. We have the lineage of Dalai Lamas including myself. I do not have high realisation as such, but I do have experience of Bodhicitta and wisdom realising emptiness.
“I have come to occupy the seat of Dalai Lama through the past Dalai Lama’s aspirational prayers,” he said.
He spoke about the historical relationship between Tibet and Mongolia, particularly during the third, fourth Dalai Lama and the 5th Sakya leader, Drogön Chögyal Phagpa.
This was His Holiness’ fourth teaching event in Riga, Latvia. He will leave for India on 19th morning.
The 3-day teachings was organised by Save Tibet Latvia, Save Tibet Foundation (Moscow) and Tibet Culture and Information Center (Moscow).
His Holiness the Dalai Lama conducting the preparatory rituals for the Avalokiteshvara empowerment on the final day of 3-day teachings, 18 June 2018. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
Devotees receiving the Avalokiteshvara empowerment from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, 18 June 2018. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
More than 4000 Buddhist devotees attending the three-day teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, 18 June 2018. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
An image of White Manjushri hung on the stage during the conferment of White Manjushri empowerment by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the final day of the 3-day teachings, 18 June 2018.