LADAKH – His Holiness the Dalai Lama, during a farewell lunch at Abispang Spituk, emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and the oneness of humanity. The event, organized by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and the All-Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA), saw locals lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the revered spiritual leader.
Thupstan Tsewang, President of the LBA, expressed gratitude to His Holiness for his teachings and for granting audiences to the people of Ladakh. In response, the Dalai Lama, addressing the gathering as “My dear dharma brothers and sisters,” shared his joy at visiting Ladakh, especially to escape the rainy season’s humidity in Dharamshala, his primary residence.
He praised the Ladakhis for their unwavering faith in Buddha’s teachings and their harmonious coexistence across different faiths. Reflecting on his life, His Holiness, now 88, lamented the violence he has witnessed, especially the use of nuclear weapons. He urged people to move beyond the divisive “us” and “them” mentality and to strive for global peace.
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Highlighting the irony of religious conflicts, His Holiness the Dalai Lama stressed that all religions preach love and service. Differences in philosophy should be respected, not fought over. He cited Ladakh as an exemplary region for inter-religious harmony.
His Holiness also emphasized the importance of studying philosophy and logic for achieving peace of mind. While prayers have their place, studying can help reduce ignorance. He shared his personal experiences, noting that meditating on bodhichitta and the view of emptiness strengthens peace of mind.
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He expressed gratitude to the local Union Territory Government and the Government of India for their support during his visit. As he prepared to depart, His Holiness left the audience with a message of unity, urging them to see all humans as equal and to cultivate love and compassion for everyone.
In a light-hearted moment, His Holiness showcased the strength of his teeth by biting into an apple, reminiscing about the apricots and apples of Norbulingka.
The event concluded with His Holiness expressing hope for future meetings and extending his warm wishes to all present.
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