“We Tibetans became refugees. In our own country, there is a lot of control. But here in India, we have freedom,” the Dalai Lama said, while addressing a gathering in Siliguri recently.
He stressed on the importance of preserving Tibetan culture, deeply rooted in the Nalanda tradition, which focuses on ancient philosophies and psychological practices contributing to inner peace.
“Our Tibetan Buddhist culture teaches methods to cultivate peace of mind, guiding individuals in managing emotions like anger or jealousy,” added the Dalai Lama, emphasizing the universal relevance of these teachings.
The spiritual leader recently visited Siliguri's Sed-Gyued Monastery after a 13-year gap to impart teachings centered on Bodhicitta—the fundamental causes for achieving enlightenment and fostering inner peace.
The monastery buzzed with preparations as around 20,000 devotees from various regions, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars, and neighboring states like Assam, Bihar, Sikkim, Nepal, and Bhutan, gathered to receive the Dalai Lama's teachings.
In a previous engagement in Sikkim, the Dalai Lama focused on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo's 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva ('Laklen Sodunma') and the ceremony of generating Bodhichitta ('Semkye').
Sharing insights from Tokme Sangpo's 14th-century text, he emphasised the practice of regularly examining one's mind, cultivating mindfulness, and promoting the well-being of others—a principle upheld by all Bodhisattvas.
The Dalai Lama also offered prayers for those affected by the recent flood disaster in Sikkim, invoking Avalokiteshwara. He extended prayers for the peace and prosperity of the people in Sikkim and adjoining regions.
(Inputs from ANI)
