His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, during his visit to Siliguri, West Bengal, spoke about the contrasting experiences of freedom in India compared to the restrictions in Tibet. As reported by ANI news, His Holiness highlighted the freedom enjoyed by Tibetans in India, a stark contrast to the control they face in their homeland.
Addressing a gathering in Siliguri, the Dalai Lama emphasized the preservation of Tibetan culture, which is deeply rooted in the Nalanda tradition. He shared insights on Tibetan methods for maintaining peace of mind, even in the face of emotions like anger or jealousy. These practices, he believes, are not just a part of Tibetan Buddhist culture but can be relevant and beneficial to every human being.
During his visit to the Sed-Gyued Monastery in Siliguri, His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivered teachings to thousands of devotees. This visit was particularly notable as it marked his first return to the monastery after a 13-year hiatus. His teachings focused on Bodhicitta, a central concept in Buddhism that refers to the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
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The event saw a turnout of around 20,000 devotees from various regions, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars, and neighboring states such as Assam, Bihar, and Sikkim, and even from countries like Nepal and Bhutan. His Holiness’s teachings in Sikkim included discussions on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s ’37 Practices of Bodhisattva’ and the ceremony of the generation of Bodhichitta.
The ’37 Practices of a Bodhisattva’ is an ancient text dating back to the 14th century BCE, authored by Tokme Sangpo, a Tibetan Buddhist monk. His Holiness in his teachings, underscored the importance of examining one’s mind, mindfulness, and the continuous effort to bring about the good of others. He stressed that daily cultivation of Bodhichitta can yield significant benefits.
Additionally, the Dalai Lama offered prayers for the victims of the recent flood disaster in Sikkim, as well as for peace and happiness in the region. This compassionate gesture reaffirmed his commitment to the well-being of people beyond the Tibetan community.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama‘s visit to Siliguri and his teachings at the Sed-Gyued Monastery were significant both for their spiritual content and the message of hope and resilience they conveyed. His emphasis on freedom, peace of mind, and the preservation of Tibetan culture and traditions resonated deeply with the thousands of devotees who attended his teachings.
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