By Tenzin Norsang

Barcelona, September 10 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama today delivered a public talk on “The Art of Hapiness” in Barcelona, Spain which was attended by more than 11,000 people at Palau Sant Jordi, the Olympic stadium.

The program started with a coir performance by the boys of Montserrat monastery. Montserrat music is very popular throughout the world and the monastery coir boys have till now recorded over 100 albums of choral music. It was followed by a solo song performance by Maria del Mar Bonet, a well known Spanish singer. Members of Tibetan community of Spain sang a Tibetan song especially composed by Tenzin Choegyal (known for his Yeshi Norbu Album) and lyrics by Bagri Rinpoche two years back for His Holiness’ visit which later got cancelled.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama remembered and offered a white scarf in tribute to a very close friend of his, a catholic monk who was connected to Montserrat monastery,and who had recently passed away. His Holiness thanked and appreciated the Tibetans for the song performance and keeping the Tibetan culture alive in their adopted country.

Regarding the topic “The Art of Hapiness”, he said where ever he goes he talks about inner values in order to be happier and sensible person. He said he doesn’t possess any supernatural power to heal anyone as thought by some. He said he usually talks about inner peace through realistic method or realistic approach. He said very purpose of our life is happiness or to survive happily. All sentient beings desire happiness and wants to overcome suffering and have right to do so. Sufferings are in two level, sensory and mental level, the Tibetan leader said. Suffering at sensory level is almost same for all sentient beings from humans to small insects.

"There are big differences of suffering at mental level and since we humans have much stronger intelligence and memory, we have tendency of stronger or bigger mental suffering. Basically stronger intelligence, greater memory is positive; a source of success and creativity, but it can be source of suffering, problem and pain. For example, someone who has at present everything and have comfortable life, but because of memory of past event he/she can develop some anger, hatred, fear and frustration. Similarly because of our capacity to think of future, we can have too much doubt and fear because of which we may develop anger and frustration. Out of these two level, mental level is more serious. Mental unhappiness cannot be subdued by physical comfort but on the other hand physical difficulties can be subdued by mental happiness or satisfaction. Sensory or physical level experience is a direct or immediate which becomes urgent because of which we have paid more attention."

He said that Since problem at mental level like stress, anxiety, anger, hatred are created due to mind we must find ways and means to overcome mental problem through mind itself.

He concluded his talk with emphasis on promotion of inter-religious harmony saying that having close relation on the basis of mutual understanding and respect is highly necessary particularly at present time as sometimes more conflict and division among humanity happen due to different religious faiths which is very unfortunate.

His talk was followed by question and answer session, in which questions were put on wide range of topics from concept of god, science and Buddhism to world peace. On asked about the current situation of Tibet and How world can help to support Tibetan cause?”, he thanked and appreciated the concern for Tibet. "Tibetans are going through a difficult period and reiterated his stand for meaningful autonomy within the Chinese constitution which is best guarantee for rich Tibetan culture and environment. He encouraged people to visit Tibet and see for themselves the condition there and compare it with what the Communist China propagates.

The program concluded with a thank you note from Ven. Thupten Wangchen, director of Tibet House foundation which initiated the visit of His Holiness to Barcelona. He requested His Holiness to visit the city again.

The 73 year old Tibetan leader is visiting spain after 10 years.