By Sherab Woeser
KOYASAN, October 31: On the second leg of his ongoing visit to Japan, His Holiness the Dalai Lama today arrived at the small temple town of Koyasan, the centre of Shingon Buddhism introduced by Kobo Dashi in 805.
Arriving by car from the port city of Osaka, the Dalai Lama was received at the Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, by Ven. Yukei Matsunaga, head priest and president of all Japan Buddhist Association.
In the afternoon, Koyasan Gakuen, the educational foundation, which established the Koyasan High School and Koyasan University, invited its young Buddhists priests to an interactive session of open discussion with the Dalai Lama and Ven. Yukei Matsunaga.
The discussion, attended by over a thousand people, was held at the Koyasan University which is celebrating its 125th founding anniversary.
Before opening the floor for “informal discussions”, the Dalai Lama expressed his happiness at being able to visit the “sacred place” of Koyasan and paid respect to his Japanese “elder friends in faith”.
“Historically, Buddhism was introduced in Japan by Kobo Dashi before it came to Tibet. So, you are the elder disciples of Buddha,” the Dalai Lama said.
Calling Japan an “important country” for achieving economic advancements while practicing genuine democracy, the Tibetan spiritual leader encouraged the Japanese teachers and students in attendance to carry out research on introducing secular ethics and mindfulness in modern education.
Responding to questions on ways of bringing lasting happiness and inner peace, the Dalai Lama noted that happiness originating from inner peace and independent of sensorial feelings is deeper and remains longer.
“Inner peace comes from nurturing genuine love and compassion for others. Buddhism teaches us about bringing inner peace through the training of the mind,” His Holiness said.
“Inner peace will not come as a blessing from above”.
The Dalai Lama said that he too used to feel frustrated when he was young while responding a query from a juvenile priest.
“When young, you have a lot of enthusiasm but lack in patience and experience. Things are not so easy to come,” the 76-year old Tibetan leader said,
“But don’t worry. Wait for another 5 to 10 years”.
Citing greed and extreme self-centredness as the cause of all major human problems including the global economic crisis and the earth’s deteriorating ecology, the Dalai Lama called for a more holistic and far-sighted approach.
“The environment is ours; it is on this planet. We should overcome out short-term interests and think more holistically,” the Dalai Lama said.
Expressing his “deep sadness” over the tragedy caused by the recent tsunami, His Holiness, while giving hope to the Japanese people said that he would be visiting the affected areas to “share the painful experience” of the victims.
“You people built your nation form the ashes of the destruction of World War II. With the Japanese spirit and self-confidence, you can bring inner as well as outer development,” the Dalai Lama said.
“Improvement will definitely come”.
