In the serene backdrop of Dharamshala’s Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, an air of spiritual fervor enveloped the town as His Holiness the Dalai Lama bestowed his teachings to an assembly of over 8,000 devotees on the auspicious occasion of Chotrul Duechen. This day, marking the culmination of the Great Prayer Festival on the 15th day of the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated with grandeur, commemorating the Buddha’s miraculous manifestations.
The event attracted a diverse congregation, including Tibetans, individuals from the Himalayan region, and international attendees, all eager to absorb the wisdom imparted by the revered Tibetan leader.
His Holiness, preceded by the traditional Tibetan horn gyaling and a procession of monks, made his way to the throne amidst a sea of faithful followers. The event commenced with the chant-master leading a recitation of the ‘Heart Sutra’ followed by homage to the Buddha and significant Buddhist figures, setting a tone of reverence and contemplation.
Addressing the gathering, His Holiness emphasized the global shift towards inner development, highlighting Buddhism’s unique approach to understanding the mind’s workings. He contrasted this with theistic traditions, underlining Buddhism’s reliance on logic, reason, and the training of the mind for inner peace. “Our approach to finding inner peace by training the mind is both realistic and scientific,” His Holiness noted, acknowledging the growing interest from the scientific community in Buddhist practices.
The Dalai Lama stressed the indispensable role of compassion in today’s tumultuous world, where violence and harm prevail. He shared his personal practice of combining compassion with an understanding of emptiness, which fosters peace of mind and good health. His teachings drew from the profound legacies of Nalanda masters, emphasizing logic and reason as the pillars of Buddhist philosophy.
Reflecting on Tibet’s historical decisions, such as adopting the Indian Devanagiri alphabet for its script and inviting Shantarakshita to introduce Nalanda’s rigorous academic discipline, His Holiness underscored the enduring value of the Nalanda tradition. He encouraged the audience to delve deeper into Buddhist teachings through study and analysis, a testament to the treasure that is the Nalanda Tradition.
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His Holiness led the congregation through the All-Encompassing Yoga Mind practice, a daily ritual that promotes altruism and the understanding of emptiness. He illustrated the transformative power of bodhichitta and the recognition of one’s inherent emptiness, advocating for a life led by compassion and wisdom.
As part of the ceremony, His Holiness recounted a Jataka Tale, a narrative depicting the Buddha’s previous lives, enriching the attendees with lessons on virtue and righteousness. The tale of Unmadayanti, a story that champions moral integrity over fleeting desires, resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impression of the values cherished in Buddhism.
This spiritual gathering was not only a testament to the Dalai Lama‘s unwavering commitment to spreading compassion and wisdom but also a beacon of hope and guidance for individuals navigating the complexities of modern life.
As reported by ANI, including exiled Tibetan Tenzin Lobsang and Youdon Aukatsang, MP in exile, the teachings offered a precious opportunity for reflection and spiritual enrichment, underscoring the significance of Chotrul Duechen in the Tibetan calendar and the broader Buddhist community.
In an era where materialistic pursuits often overshadow spiritual growth, the Dalai Lama‘s discourse on Chotrul Duechen serves as a gentle reminder of the transformative power of compassion, the pursuit of inner peace, and the importance of a mindful existence. As His Holiness eloquently conveyed, embracing these principles is essential for personal well-being and the collective harmony of our global community.
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