Mundgod: His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a public talk in Doeguling Tibetan Settlement in Mundgod on 12 December. Gaden Trisur Rizo Rinpoche, Settlement officer of Mundgod and Chief Representative of South Zone were present at the public talk.
Addressing the huge gathering of devotees, His Holiness said, “Yesterday I reached here and today, because there is some free time as per my schedule, I had a wish to see all of you. I had relation since the beginning of this settlement. Especially I would like to meet student as I usually meet privately with the student but this time I’m meeting with all of you here to show my 83 years old face. I have a problem while sitting and ascending on throne but once I sat down, I can talk continuously. So this is my main reason to meet you.”
His Holiness said, “We are not mere refugees, which is a term denoting people fleeing their own land due to disasters and seeking asylum in another country. We have been forcibly displaced and subjected to the destruction of our culture and religion.”
His Holiness recalled that “initially we started our struggle by doing roadwork at Chamba and Kullu. We requested Government of India to have separate institute. First Buxar Monastic Institute was built with few thousand monks. Unfortunately, many problems have been faced and few died due to climate condition. Gradually, our settlement in south India started flourishing and the three great monastic institutes were established here.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing devotees at the Drepung Loseling Debate Yard. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
His Holiness briefly explained about the evolution of democracy in Tibetan politics.
His Holiness said, “Although I have devolved my political authority, I have not abandoned my duty as a Tibetan and will continue to contribute towards the wellbeing of the 6 million Tibetans.”
His Holiness emphasised that Tibetan Buddhism has started gaining attention from scientists, scholars and people around the world. “In general, I don’t say Buddhism is best at all. It depends on one’s own mental disposition. Tibetan Buddhism tries to dig deeper to find solution. Ultimately many scientists and experts took interest in Tibetan Buddhist science and philosophy.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama also spoke about his three main commitments in life i.e. promotion of human values, promotion of religious harmony and safeguarding Tibet’s environment, culture and language.
“We do pray for well being of sentient being as whole. You must help among 7 billions people first if you really meant it. Being social animal in this world, we must inculcate compassion to each other. We must bring oneness in this world. I consider people below 20 years as the 21st century generation and you must have vision to have compassionate and peace in coming decade.”
On Thursday, His Holiness will inaugurate and bless the new Drepung Loseling Meditation and Science Center.
-Filed by Correspondent Tenzin Phende-
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing devotees at the Drepung Loseling Debate Yard. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting devotees on his arrival at the Drepung Loseling Debate Yard. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
Devotees listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Drepung Loseling Debate Yard. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR