Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today addressed a gathering of Tibetan devotees from various parts of India, including scholars of the Institute of Buddhist Dialectic and non-Tibetan devotees from Mon, Bhutan and Britain.
Following a brief photo session with each group at Tsuglagkhang courtyard, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke for over an hour, emphasising his lifelong commitments towards a better humanity, preservation of Tibetan Buddhist tradition and meaningful resolution of the Tibet issue.
“I always keep saying that the Tibetans inside Tibet are the real masters of the Tibetan destiny. Even when faced with dangers to their lives, they have, in every respect, shown great valour and courage in preserving the indomitable Tibetan spirit, while upholding their rights and dignity as a people,” he told the gathering.
“The principal asset for credibility of Tibetan cause on the world stage is the dedication of the Tibetans inside Tibet to the common cause and their unrelenting courage. It is because of these that the truth of our position stands proven,” His Holiness said, urging them to uphold the spirit.
“Tibetans are a unique people, spiritually blessed by the Chenresig, Avalokiteshvara and in reality, blessed with the rich culture, heritage and language.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing Tibetan and non-Tibetan devotees at Tsuglagkhang, 9 November 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR
Reasserting his position on seeking genuine autonomy, His Holiness said, “Tibet was materially backward but spiritually highly developed. There is mutual benefit.”
He also expressed hope for positive changes to take place within China. “The present situation inside Tibet is indeed sad and unfortunate, but I am hopeful that in time, changes will take place within China.”
On the cultural aspect, he said, Tibetans should pride themselves of its thousand millennium old cultural heritage, rooted in the profound Nalanda teachings.
“The tradition handed down to us from Nalanda includes profound philosophy and logic, as well as a rich understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions. We have kept this alive for more than 1000 years and now are in a position to make a positive contribution to the well-being of humanity through our own culture. It is a meaningful aspiration to have.”
His Holiness the Dali Lama with graduates of the 2017 batch of Mentsee Khang, 9 November 2017.
The 82-year-old Tibetan leader urged youth to pay serious attention on learning Tibetan language and take heed of his advice.
“The most profound teachings of Buddha and the Nalanda masters are in Tibetan and therefore, the best medium to receive these teachings is through the Tibetan language.
Also in attendance were graduates of the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute and scholars of the Institute of Buddhist Dialectic.
His Holiness spoke of the unique aspects of the Tibetan medicine and how it serves as an advanced preventive medication.
He also commended the members of the LHA institute for their dedicated public service, particularly in field of education. He said, “Making efforts in the field of education is highly important and indispensable for sustaining the Tibetan Buddhist culture and ethnicity in these most difficult circumstances in Tibet’s history.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with devotees, 9 November 2017. Photo/Tenzin Phende/DIIR