By Tendar Tsering
DHARAMSHALA, June 1: On the first day of the annual three-day teachings to Tibetan youths, His Holiness the Dalai Lama today urged an auditorium packed with students to focus on their studies and strive to become professionals.
“I have seen lots of Chinese professionals all over the world but very few Tibetan professionals,” the Tibetan spiritual leader remarked. “Of course, China has more population as compared to us Tibetans but nevertheless, it is the result of their hard work and effort. So, you must put in more focus and effort.”
The 76-year old Tibetan leader was speaking to around 3,000 Tibetan students at the Tibetan Children’s Village School auditorium in Dharamshala, the Tibetan exile headquarters.
The Dalai Lama likened Tibetan Buddhism as a “jewel,” and said that Tibetans have much role to play in creating “peace of mind” in today’s “materialistic world.”
“Materialistically, Tibetans cannot help the world, but I am 100 per cent sure that Tibetans can help the world in bringing peace to one’s mind,” the Dalai Lama said.
Speaking on the importance of preserving Tibetan language, the Dalai Lama noted that the ancient language has great potential in becoming a vehicle for bringing peace to the world and thereby offering a lucrative profession for people specialised in the language.
“I have already suggested introducing Buddhist philosophy teachings in Tibetan schools thus making it more imperative to master Tibetan language,” His Holiness said. “Buddhism is best written and explained in our language.”
After a few hours of teachings, the Tibetan spiritual leader also took questions from the audience.
From June 1- 3, the Dalai Lama will give teachings on Tsongkhapa’s In Praise of the Buddha for His Teaching on Dependent Arising (Tendrel Toepa) and Nagarjuna’s Drops of Nourishment for People (Kyewo Sothik).
On the final day of the teachings, His Holiness will also confer a Manjushri Empowerment (Jamphel Yang Jenang).
Live webcast of the teachings are available on dalailama.com from 08:15 am to 11:30 am IST with simultaneous English and Russian translations.
