10 Questions for the Dalai Lama

Time Magazine interviewed His Holiness in New York City in May of 2010 for its "10 Questions to His Holiness the Dalai Lama".

Question: Do you ever feel angry or outraged? —Kantesh Guttal, PUNE, INDIA

His Holiness: Oh, yes, of course. I'm a human being. Generally speaking, if a human being never shows anger, then I think something's wrong. He's not right in the brain. [Laughs.]

Question: How do you stay so optimistic and faithful when there is so much hate in the world? —Joana Cotar, FRANKFURT

His Holiness: I always look at any event from a wider angle. There's always some problem, some killing, some murder or terrorist act or scandal everywhere, every day. But if you think the whole world is like that, you're wrong. Out of 6 billion humans, the troublemakers are just a handful.

Question: How has the role set out for you changed since you first came to be the Dalai Lama? —Andy Thomas, CARMARTHEN, WALES

His Holiness: I became the Dalai Lama not on a volunteer basis. Whether I was willing or not, I [had to study] Buddhist philosophy like an ordinary monk student in these big monastic institutions. Eventually I realized I have a responsibility. Sometimes it is difficult, but where there is some challenge, that is also truly an opportunity to serve more.

Question: Do you see any possibility of reconciliation with the Chinese government in your lifetime? —Joseph K.H. Cheng, MELBOURNE

His Holiness: Yes, there is a possibility. But I think past experience shows it is not easy. Many of these hard-liners, their outlook is very narrow and shortsighted. They are not looking at it in a holistic way. However, within the People's Republic of China, there is wider contact with the outside world. There are more and more voices of discontentment among the people, particularly among the intellectuals. Things will change — that's bound to happen.

Question: How can we teach our children not to be angry? —Robyn Rice, GRAND JUNCTION, COLO.

His Holiness: Children always look to their parents. Parents should be more calm. You can teach children that you face a lot of problems but you must react to those problems with a calm mind and reason. I have always had this view about the modern education system: we pay attention to brain development, but the development of warmheartedness we take for granted.

Question: Have you ever thought about being a normal person instead of being the Dalai Lama? —Grego Franco, MANILA

His Holiness: Yes, at a young age. Sometimes I felt, "Oh, this is a burden. I wish I was an unknown Tibetan. Then I'd have more freedom." But then later I realized that my position was something useful to others. Nowadays I feel happy that I'm Dalai Lama. At the same time, I never feel that I'm some special person. Same — we are all the same.

Question: Do you miss Tibet? —Pamela Delgado Córdoba, AGUASCALIENTES, MEXICO

His Holiness: Yes. Tibetan culture is not only ancient but relevant to today's world. After seeing the problems of violence, we realize that Tibetan culture is one of compassion and nonviolence. There is also the climate. In India during monsoon season, it is too wet. Then, I very much miss [ Tibet].

Question: What do you say to people who use religion as a pretext to violence or killing? —Arnie Domingo, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES

His Holiness: There are innocent, faithful people that are manipulated by some other people whose interest is different. Their interest is not religion but power or sometimes money. They manipulate religious faith. In such cases, we must make a distinction: these [bad things] are not caused by religion.

Question: Have you ever tried on a pair of trousers? —Ju Huang, STAMFORD, CONN.

His Holiness: When it's very, very cold. And particularly in 1959, when I escaped, I wore trousers, like laypeople dressed. So I have experience.

Question: Do you believe your time here on earth has been a success? —Les Lucas, KELOWNA, B.C.

His Holiness: Hmmm. That's relative. It's so difficult to say. All human life is some part failure and some part achievement.

original link: https://www.dalailama.com/messages/transcripts-and-interviews/10-questions-time-magazine

Dalai Lama & Tibetan Youth

Annual Teachings for Tibetan Youth Begin at Thekchen Chöling
June 5, 2017

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - Even at 8 o’clock it was hot in Dharamsala this morning. When His Holiness the Dalai Lama emerged from his residence he was met by costumed singers from TCV who escorted him to the Tsuglagkhang. The temple and its surrounding verandas were filled with young students. The monks who would normally have been sat there were assembled on one side of the yard down below.

After His Holiness had taken his seat on the throne a group of TCV students from class 3 upwards stood before him and fervently recited verses from Akya Yongzin’s ‘Compendium of Ways of Knowing’ by heart. They ended with a single verse prayer for His Holiness‘s long life. His Holiness smiled and told them:

“I memorized this text myself when I was ten years old, so I was able to join in with you just now. It’s very important to know how the mind works. Peace of mind is not something that can be directed from outside. It needs to be approached from within. It’s because our minds tend to be unruly that we see problems in the world such as the shocking killing that is taking place and the growing gap between rich and poor. To tackle such problems we need a calm, disciplined mind.

“Religious people pray for peace, but prayer alone is not enough, what will bring peace in the world is people cultivating peace of mind. As it is said, ‘Buddhas do not wash unwholesome deeds away with water, nor do they remove the sufferings of beings with their hands, neither do they transplant their own realization into others. Teaching the truth of suchness they liberate (beings)’. The Buddhas help us by revealing the truth.”

His Holiness remarked that the gist of the teachings does not need to be confined to a religious context, because its value can be experienced in day to day life. He said that he is keen that a sense of inner values should be taught in schools to influence the training of future generations. He mentioned that understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions are integral to most ancient Indian traditions that deal with concentration and insight (shamatha and vipashyana).

“Today’s discussion is mainly aimed at young students,” he explained. “There are almost 700 students from various colleges around Dharamsala, as well as from Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai, besides some from the USA and the Netherlands. In addition we have 1500 school students, members of the Dharamsala Introduction to Buddhism Association, and a group of monks from Thailand with their Abbot who will take out a peace march. I’d like to greet you all.”

His Holiness mentioned the Buddha’s advice not to take what he had taught on faith or at face value but to analyse it—advising his followers to scrutinise his teachings as a goldsmith examines gold. He praised this sceptical approach and explained how valuable it has been in his discussions with scientists over the last 30 years or so. He also stressed that the advice that things do not exist the way they appear is useful because it helps counter misconceptions about reality, as is the advice to tackle self-cherishing attitudes and cultivate altruism.

His Holiness spoke of the origins of Buddhism in Tibet. He recalled seeing an empty space in a temple in Xining in 1955 where the Lhasa Jowo was said to have once sat. Despite this and other links to China, the Emperor Trisong Detsen, chose to invite the great master Shantarakshita from India to the Land of Snow where he established the Nalanda tradition. Tibetans have worked hard, through rigorous study down the centuries, to keep this tradition alive, something His Holiness said all Tibetans should be proud of.

“You young people have to keep this tradition alive,” he urged. “because the understanding of the mind that is integral to our Buddhist traditions can be of crucial benefit to future generations.”

His Holiness remarked that compared to the ancient Indian knowledge of the workings of the mind and emotions, modern psychology is quite rough. However, he conceded that whereas scientists used to consider the mind to be no more than a function of the brain, they now have evidence that the brain undergoes measurable change as a result of prolonged meditation. He also referred to the interest some scientists are taking in cases of ‘thukdam’ in which clinical death occurs and yet the body remains fresh for some time afterwards.

Observing that religious traditions all seem to have three aspects, His Holiness spoke of the practice of love and compassion, patience and tolerance, as well as contentment and self-discipline that they all have in common. He discussed their philosophical differences, that while many religions believe in a creator God, early Samkhyas, Jains and Buddhists have no such belief, considering the law of causality to be more significant. Nevertheless, he was clear that philosophical differences are no ground for quarrelling, since there are a wide range of variant views even within Buddhism.

The third aspect shared by all religious traditions is cultural and as such is related to social customs, some of which are out of date and in need of change. He cited the role of the Dalai Lamas as political leaders as an example of something that needed changing, which he did when he retired in 2011. He also mentioned the Indian caste system and the application of Sharia law as examples of cultural traditions that are due for review.

Responding to questions from the audience His Holiness explained that refuge in the Three Jewels can be done on the basis of view or action. He said that someone who accepts the Four Seals:

All conditioned phenomena are transient.

All polluted phenomena are unsatisfactory or in the nature of suffering.

All phenomena are empty and selfless.

Nirvana is true peace,

takes refuge on the basis of view. Otherwise, you take refuge regarding the Buddha as the Teacher, the Dharma as cessation as the actual refuge and the Sangha as supportive friends. The important thing, he reiterated was to be a 21st century Buddhist and to take refuge on the basis of understanding.

In relation to his conversations with scientists His Holiness declared that he never brings up topics like past and future lives or nirvana. He said that he admires scientists’ broad-mindedness and their willingness to change and improve their understanding.

Asked how he remains happy every day, His Holiness’s first reply was that he regards all 7 billion human beings alive today as his brothers and sisters, a reflection he finds helpful and powerful. In the context of disturbing emotions being based on a misconception, a clinging to a sense that things exist as they appear, he also finds cognitive therapist Aaron Beck’s observation that our sense of anger or attachment is 90% mental projection not only to be helpful, but also in tune with Nagarjuna’s advice.

Through the elimination of karma and affliction there is nirvana.

Karma and affliction come from conceptual thought. 

These come from mental fabrication.

Fabrication ceases through emptiness.

He concluded that taking a more holistic view and cultivating warm-heartedness are a sound source of happiness.

Teachings for Tibetan youth will continue tomorrow morning.

"After School/Summer School Satan Club" Creators Pushing For More Schools

"After School/Summer School Satan Club" Creators Pushing For More Schools.

Last month I blogged about this but apparently the Satan Worshiping Church is pushing this and has no intentions of divulging everything they do during "Satan service ". People who have nothing to hide, hide nothing. Freedom of religion should be respected absolutely. However, what materials are in the coloring books? They looked a bit creepy as a friend and journalist, who shall remain nameless, had an inside source. Aleister Crowley's teachings are very violent and gut wrenching. Many of these churches have been following  Crowley's teachings for decades and decades. I'm a demonologist so I promise you that is no lie. Google it.

While the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) makes conservative groups wait years for tax-exempt status an “After School Satan Club” launched to hinder Christian-based counterparts, got its nonprofit ranking in just ten days, records obtained by Judicial Watch show. The classification is offered to charitable, religious and educational organizations that operate as nonprofits. Under the Obama administration, IRS political appointees illegally targeted conservative groups, either making them wait up to seven years for tax-exempt status or denying their application altogether. Judicial Watch uncovered that scandal and has obtained piles of government records showing how the IRS illegally colluded with another federal agency to single out groups with conservative-sounding terms such as patriot and Tea Party in their titles when applying for tax-exempt status.

Many satanic churches follow Crowley's teachings all these years even after his death in 1947. This could possibly open doors, I fear. This may give them legal rights to attach to someone.

The following I came across a random forum:

"They supposedly...the coloring books have upside down crosses and pentagrams. It's the hard core satanists who sacrifice kids and animals and are full of hate against human kind. They hate our guts. Even kind people who believe in Christ but One example is "Satan's Coloring Book." This has many in fear or anger. Even non believers who don't want God or Satan influencing their children's lives."

According to the Washington Post, Doug Mesner, who goes by the professional name Lucien Greaves, is co-founder and spokesman for the Satanic Temple, a group of political activists who are seeking to establish After School Satan Clubs as a counterpart to fundamentalist Christian Good News Clubs, which they see as an attempt to infiltrate public education and erode the constitutional separation of church and state. (Josh Reynolds/For the Washington Post).

There is going to be so many people in need of deliverance. I'll say it again...I honestly feel there is going to be a very large amount of reported hauntings.....someone has a demon or a child ghost. I warned one couple via phone if in fact these events they were conveying to me are true then they were tricked, that kid was a demon posing as a child to gain sympathy. The Bible says "The dead know nothing; be aware of the familiar spirit." The controversy over that statement is a whole other subject. Lol.

We all have to UNITE together. Drop whatever anger and see the condition of our world and see how some humans act so nasty. The devil wants to divide and conquer. He's like a thief in the night. Turning kids against parents and parents against the children. Some children these days have no respect for any authority figures. Color or race doesn't not matter we are all affected when our world is in chaos. It doesn't even matter no one is any better than the other in God's Word he says this.

The devil wants chaos! Pitting people against others and countries against countries. Laughing at us as the world are saying we're nuts there is nothing suspicious about the children in that Pizza/pedo gate.Words become twisted or misunderstood. When a family is having a lot of disagreements and hurt feelings anger, etc... that's a perfect recipe to attract demonic entities. They thrive and feed off fear. They are very patient as I've said before. Could be 10 years wait and attack you at a time when you feel like you could just die as things are so bad in life. Then a demon comes along.

They are cruel and hate humans. They really do. Now some others may feel differently depending on what deity they choose or what religion. And I've always said I respect freedom of religion as long as no harm comes. We know women breed for them in secret. That was on YouTube, with Majestic Ape talking about a woman who carried a baby to term. He killed it and said how gross he was and made annoying noises. His exact words ' I had to put that down....EUTHANASIA.' And recorded him speaking of the joy of Satan.

Why is Satan and the dark arts all a sudden just considered so cool? Kids asking for ghost boxes and doing EVP's at home, using spirit boards etc...They download the app version on devices etc...and just because it's a phone and not a costly device doesn't mean they can't manipulate those apps. Phones have radio and recorders. Are they only able to do it to this device? My bet is they can manipulate our phones.

I found the following information in a article at storegalore.org

Etta says:
September 19, 2016 at 12:21 pm
This is what Aleister Crowley he said about women:
"But, morally and mentally, women were for me beneath contempt. They had no moral ideals. They were bound up with their necessary preoccupation, with the function of reproduction. Their apparent aspirations were camouflage. Intellectually, of course, they did not exist.
It’s very psychotic to have such hatred for their mothers as he did and then be kind to women. A woman was to be used. He projects onto women his lack of interest in them as people. Very arrogant fellow no doubt.

Cling to God and His Holy Word. Demons nor the devil can tolerate it. If you just believe how much God loves you no matter what you did when you ask for forgiveness. He is all we have against evil. Others I'm sure have their own ways due to different beliefs and religions. I'm for Jesus Christ The Lord. Lol.. I'm not a Christian or any title. I'm for Christ. Churches are the worst examples of our Lord. It infuriates me. I'm like my late father, I dislike organized religion.

Written By Jennifer L Auld

Dalai Lama Meets with Students from Emory University Summer Abroad Program

Meeting with Students from the Emory University Summer Abroad Program

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with a group of students taking part in the Emory Tibetan Mind/Body Sciences Summer Abroad Program at his residence today. He greeted them warmly.

“On a physical level, India has been my second home for the last 58 years,” he told them. “But on a mental level, since the age of 6 when I began to study, I have been immersed in ancient Indian knowledge. We are stateless refugees, but India is the source and home of what we know. And the freedom India has afforded us the opportunity to meet and get to know many different people, spiritual leaders and scientists among them.

“Buddhism, especially the Nalanda tradition, has taught us to apply reason, to experiment, to analyse and use our intelligence. The practice we follow aims to free all sentient beings from suffering and bring them happiness. However, there’s little we can do directly for beings elsewhere in the universe, and little we can do to help the insects, animals and birds of this world. Those we can help are our fellow human beings with whom we can communicate. Human beings have such intelligence, what a pity that so often it is used to make trouble.

“You young people belong to the generation of the 21st century. With vision and determination I believe you can contribute to making this a better world.”

His Holiness noted the special connection that has grown between Emory University and Tibetans. One result is that there are now 1000 monks in the great monasteries re-established in South India who are proficient in science and English.

His Holiness remarked that Tibetans have kept alive a command of logic and an understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions for more than 1000 years. This knowledge remains relevant and helpful for living a happy life here and now. He added that although its source was in India, modern Indians have by and large neglected it in favour of modern development. Consequently, he said feels it is important to work to revive this ancient knowledge in India today.

Professor Lobsang Tenzin Negi introduced the group—25 students from Emory University and two from colleges nearby and four faculty members. He mentioned that this particular Summer Abroad Program started in 2009. It is a six-week immersion experience that offers students the opportunity to interact with leading members of the Tibetan exile community—including Emory Distinguished Presidential Professor His Holiness the Dalai Lama—while participating in the growing dialogue between modern science and the Tibetan Buddhist contemplative tradition.

While in Dharamsala, students study meditation, Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan medicine, and the culture of Buddhist Tibet at the Norbulingka Institute, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Men-Tsee Khang, the Tibetan Medical Institute and Gyuto Tantric Monastery.

At Drepung Loselling Monastery in South India, which has been involved since 2014, students can engage with the monastic community and, in conjunction with the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative, interact with Tibetan monastics studying neuroscience, biology, and physics.

Before taking questions from the students His Holiness said he wanted to make it clear that although it is recorded in Buddhist texts, he regards the understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions that he has been talking about as belonging to ancient Indian knowledge more generally. He noted that at Nalanda University extensive exchange of views took place in debate and participants learned from each other. He observed that all Indian traditions that pursue the practices of shamatha and vipashyana, concentration and insight, have a deep and broad acquaintance with the workings of the mind.

The student who asked the first question wanted to know how meet the various challenges and obstacles to establishing an era of peace. In his reply, His Holiness spoke of his admiration for the spirit of the European Union, despite the narrow British vote to leave, according to which past enemies have come together to work for their mutual benefit. He said the current reality is that nations are no longer isolated and self-sufficient as they once were. The world has become much more interdependent, therefore there is a need to be more aware of the oneness of humanity.

“One factor that could contribute to making the 21st century an era of peace,” he remarked, “would be a wider appreciation of the failure to resolve problems by force. The use of force may control people physically, but it won’t change their hearts and minds. You can only do that on the basis of trust and friendship.”  

Another student wanted to know if, of the many decisions His Holiness has had to take, he looks back on any of them with regret or doubt. His Holiness replied that it was difficult to say, but mentioned that when he is in a dilemma he makes a point of discovering what other people think before making his own decision.

Asked how to pursue success in a capitalist society to benefit of others, His Holiness responded that there is nothing wrong with creating wealth or a dynamic market economy. The important point is to share the wealth you make or put it to beneficial use. He recalled a wealthy Bombay family asking for his blessing. He told them that if they were to spend their money on providing educational facilities for the children of the Bombay slums that would be a much more effective source of blessings.

To a question about how to learn from suffering, His Holiness suggested that cultivating a more compassionate attitude has the effect of opening the mind. Having a calm and compassionate mind, he said, enables us to use our natural intelligence more effectively. Without a more holistic perspective it’s difficult to appreciate the reality of a given situation and without that any action we take is likely to be unrealistic and so unsuccessful.

The final question related to making to the question of non-violence.

“Before Buddhism came to Tibet,” His Holiness explained, “we Tibetans were nomadic. If we encountered an obstacle, we crushed it. Once the learned Nalanda master Shantarakshita established Buddhism in the country our way of life changed and we became a more compassionate, non-violent society.”

He reported that after coming into exile following the Chinese occupation, Pandit Nehru warned him that the USA would not go to war with China to defend Tibet. Appeals to the UN were in vain. In 1974, Tibetans decided that they would not seek outright independence, which led to the eventual formulation of the mutually beneficial Middle Way Approach. Fundamental to this is the principle of non-violence, which has attracted widespread moral support even among informed Chinese.

His Holiness thanked the students for coming, reminded them that as members of the human family we are all brothers and sisters and appealed to them to share what they learned during this six week program with their friends and family.

original link with photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/meeting-with-students-from-the-emory-university-summer-abroad-program

After School with Satan

Hi there I hope you guys had a great weekend and the weather was great your way. I know the subject is not the best like I said it's just my humble opinion from what my point of view is on this subject matter. This subject just really needs to be discussed I think or brought out in the open if it hasn't already. I'm sure everybody heard about the huge statue that stands in front of that Temple I believe? I could be wrong on that. I'm sure it's beautiful but is it safe? Is having after school  for kids with education and educational toys kind of dicey with young children? And I say this with respect. Below is the little information I have on this as of right now.

A Satanic temple was revealed a few months back and now they are making headlines again on the morning news. They are offering afterschool care and it is really making some of the locals people scared, nervous, terrified and angry. According to The Washington Post, members of the Satanic Temple hope that their after school program compete with the Christian program, the Good News Club, that is allowed in public schools. I'm sharing this wiki description article below with you that gives more detailed information. It's worded well so all understands who reads this blog or stumble upon it.

What Is Satanism?
According to Wikipedia

The downward-pointing pentacle is often used to represent Satanism.
Satanism is a group of ideological and philosophical beliefs based on the character of Satan.[1] Although the public practice of Satanism began with the founding of the Church of Satan in 1966, historical precedents exist: a group called the Ophite Cultus Satanaswas founded in Ohio by Herbert Arthur Sloane in 1948.[2]

Satanism is a group of ideological and philosophical beliefs based on the character of Satan.[1] Although the public practice of Satanism began with the founding of the Church of Satan in 1966, historical precedents exist: a group called the Ophite Cultus Satanaswas founded in Ohio by Herbert Arthur Sloane in 1948.[2]

Eliphas Levi's Sabbatic Goat (known as The Goat of Mendes or Baphomet) has become one of the most common symbols of Satanism.

Satanist groups that appeared after the 1960s are widely diverse, but two major trends are theistic Satanism and atheistic Satanism. Theistic Satanists venerate Satan as a supernatural deity, viewing him not as omnipotent but rather as a patriarch. In contrast, atheistic Satanists regard Satan as merely a symbol of certain human traits.[3]

There are signs that Satanistic beliefs have become more socially tolerated.[citation needed]

Contemporary Satanism is mainly an American phenomenon, the ideas spreading with the effects of globalization and the Internet.[4] The Internet promotes awareness of other Satanists, and is also the main battleground for the definitions of Satanism today.[4]Satanism started to reach Eastern Europe in the 1990s, in time with the fall of the Soviet Union, and most noticeably in Poland and Lithuania, predominantly Roman Catholic countries.[5][6] It was estimated that there were 50,000 Satanists in 1990. There may now be as many as 100,000 Satanists in the world.[1]

Supreme Court Ruling

Eliphas Levi's Sabbatic Goat (known as The Goat of Mendes or Baphomet) has become one of the most common symbols of Satanism.

The Satanic Temple is lobbying to bring its "After School Satan Club" to public elementary schools throughout the country, The Washington Post reports.

Members of the Satanic Temple who are proponents of the program say that the purpose of the club would not actually be to worship the devil, but rather to promote rational thinking.

“It’s critical that children understand that there are multiple perspectives on all issues, and that they have a choice in how they think,” said Doug Mesner, the Satanic Temple’s co-founder added that “Satan” is just a “metaphorical construct” that represents the rejection of tyranny of the human mind. The after school clubs would emphasize reasoning and social skills. They would also feature healthy snacks for kids, creative learning activities, a science lesson, and art projects.

Unless they are breaking the law they have a right just like us. That's their religious freedom. I just fear this will turn bad. I had to share this with my readers. But, true satanists have in breeders unlike the wannabe's. They have what you'd call  inbreeders. If not then an animal. Human is first choice. I'm just being honest here. I know this information is highly disturbing however, I don't know how else to say it so I just do it. It's just not a good scene whatsoever in my opinion But it is their right.

Just have faith we know God's in control. So nothings going to happen or pass that God doesn't want to happen. Feel free to give your opinions and discuss this. I know everybody will have an interesting opinion on this. Feel free to share you're views.

Written By Jennifer L Auld

Dalai Lama: We All Belong to One Human Family

Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India — Speaking about his own efforts, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama urged everyone to be more compassionate and sincere that we are all brothers and sisters belonging to one human family. Thousands of devotees offered 'Tenshuk prayers' for his long life and good health, on Sunday.

"The more we practice altruism and help others, the more we will benefit ourselves. The resultant peace of mind helps us live longer, able to serve humanity longer," His Holiness the Dalai Lama told the gathering, continuing his teachings on Shantideva's 'A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life', in Ladakh, J&K, India, August 21, 2016.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate recommended that devotees pray with a good motivation to live longer in order to have greater opportunity to practise the Buddhadharma, cultivate bodhichitta, and attain Buddhahood. "Right from childhood we are under the influence of destructive emotions. We have an instinct to harm others, to kill insects and so forth, due to our past karma and being habitually driven by negative attitudes," His Holiness said.

"From the beginning, we are accustomed to being ignorant about reality and adopt a self-cherishing attitude. Now, due to encountering the teaching of the Buddha, we are awakening from the slumber of ignorance. Therefore, we should try to generate the awakening mind of bodhichitta. In the immediate short term it will bring us peace of mind and better health, while in the longer term it will ensure that we take a higher rebirth."

Thousands of devotees including monks and nuns, led by Ganden Tri Rinpoche, performed ceremonial prayers for His Holiness's long life and good health. On behalf of the entire people of Ladakh, Ladakh Buddhist Association President Tsewang Thinles expressed thanks to His Holiness for coming and showering his blessings on them. He further requested His Holiness to visit Ladakh again and again in the future.

"Every living being needs happiness including animals therefore, respecting others and understanding their problem create happiness," the spiritual leader said while expressing about the benefits of Bodhitta. He said the spirit of awakening motivates the Bodhisattava way of life and explains the means of cultivating and sustaining this altruistic aspiration.

Mentioning about the cause of suffering the spiritual head said those desiring to escape from suffering hasten right toward suffering. He satisfies with all joys those who are starving for happiness and eliminates all the sorrows of who are afflicted in many ways.

"Every prayer does not depend upon faith, prayer has to be understood properly and we should have a clear mind and spirit to attain teachings," His Holiness said in his sermon.

Appealing the devotees particularly the monks and nuns not to have blind faith without studying Buddhist scriptures and philosophy, he said, adding wearing robes of monks and adhering to monastic ritual may help in the propagation of Dharma teachings but it won't help in substance of Buddhism to have a meaningful life.

"From the beginning, we are befriended with ignorance about reality of things and we absorb self cherishing act now due to Buddha teaching, we are awakening from sleep of ignorance," he said, adding "we should practice Bodhichitta, the altruistic thought to help other to focus on enlightenment of Buddhahood.

The spiritual leader reiterated that Buddhism has connection with science and said that in the twentieth century scientists focused on externalmatter but towards 21st century, scientists also started giving importance to internal emotions, which affects, the physical aspect of our body.

"These prayers made with great faith and devotion will help me live longer, giving me the opportunity to work for the welfare of all sentient beings,"His Holiness said, responding to their request that His Holiness will visit Ladakh in the near future again.

On 21st August, the last day of the four days of public teachings, His Holiness conferred an Avalokiteshvara empowerment. In the preamble he encouraged Buddhists among his listeners to adopt a vegetarian diet and curtail their use of alcohol. The spiritual leader of Tibet urged everyone to be more compassionate and sincere and to recognise that "we are all brothers and sisters belonging to one human family."

original link & photos: http://www.thetibetpost.com/en/news/international/5152-we-all-belong-to-one-human-family-says-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama

Dalai Lama Meets with US Congressional Delegation

US Congressional Delegation Given a Warm Welcome at Thekchen Chöling

Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - The yard before the Tsuglagkhang was packed with people today, mostly Tibetans, from all walks of life, eager to greet a US Bipartisan Congressional Delegation led by Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Jim Sensenbrenner. The delegation arrived for a two day visit yesterday. They met His Holiness the Dalai Lama and had lunch with him. In the afternoon they visited the Tibetan Children’s Village School and later met with the Kashag and leaders from among Tibetan Women. In the evening they were invited to dinner by the Central Tibetan Administration and were entertained at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).

Banners depicting His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with four US Presidents inscribed “Thank you USA” flew overhead and the podium below the temple was flanked by the Snowlion Flag and the Stars & Stripes. As the delegates began to arrive and take their seats, applause rippled through the crowd. Everyone stood as His Holiness and Nancy Pelosi walked through the yard together. They remained standing as the Tibetan National Anthem was played and President Lobsang Sangay hoisted the Tibetan flag. Led by four Geshe-mas and singers from TIPA everyone took part in singing a moving rendition of the Prayer of the Words of Truth.

In a stirring opening address President Lobsang Sangay paid tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, asserting that the Dalai Lamas and the Tibetan people are inseparable from one another—“As long as there is a Tibet, Chenresig will be there.” He went on to express his gratitude for the delegation’s visit that he said sent a message of encouragement to Tibetans in Tibet, an indication of the importance of justice to China and a sign of friendship and support for Tibetans to the rest of the world.

President Sangay voiced his admiration for Nancy Pelosi as a politician who does more than “talk the talk”, she also “walks the walk”. He mentioned her visit to Tibet during which she bluntly told the Chinese authorities, “His Holiness the Dalai Lama commands the respect of people around the world, including us.”

He mentioned the 147 Tibetans who have committed self-immolation in their determination to demonstrate to the world that the occupation of Tibet is unacceptable and the oppression there is unbearable. He added:

“The Tibetan spirit will survive because of the support of friends like you who acknowledge and support the justice of our cause. There has been American support for Tibet since President Franklin Roosevelt sent a watch and a letter to His Holiness when he was young. In 2002 the Tibetan Policy Act was passed and we hope that a new coordinator for Tibet will soon be appointed. You have also given us financial support for which we are grateful.”

President Sangay stated that just as Nelson Mandela had eventually walked free and restored democracy to South Africa, just as Aung San Suu Kyi had eventually walked free in Burma and just as the Good Friday agreement had eventually been signed in Northern Ireland, he was convinced that Tibet’s day too will come because Tibetans have friends like those in the delegation. He looked forward to His Holiness the Dalai Lama walking free in the streets of Lhasa and giving the Kalachakra Empowerment before the Potala Palace, where Tibetan and Chinese Buddhists alike will receive it.

“On that happy day, when the dreams of the Tibetan people are fulfilled and the bell of freedom chimes in Tibet, we will invite you to join us again. Justice and freedom will prevail in Tibet thanks to our friends’ support. Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

Representative Jim Sensenbrenner, a Republican who has represented Wisconsin’s 5th district for 38 years, expressed pride at being able to speak in His Holiness‘s presence. He assured the crowd that Republicans and Democrats support Tibet, have great respect for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and share a wish for the Tibetan people to be free. He added that they support religious freedom and the notion that where there is no justice there is no freedom.

A performance of the Women’s Empowerment Song by artists from TIPA was introduced with the remark that empowerment of women has brought happiness to many different parts of the world.

Representative Jim McGovern from Massachusetts told His Holiness, “We believe in you and we stand with you, President Lobsang Sangay and the Tibetan people. We look forward to your being able to return to Tibet, to the release of political prisoners, including the 11th Panchen Lama. And we call on the US Government to meet regularly with you and President Sangay. We support dialogue between Chinese and Tibetan representatives, knowing that the world will not get better on its own.”

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, made his remarks in English. He welcomed Nancy Pelosi and the other members of the delegation. He pointed out that human rights in Tibet have not improved. Religious freedom continues to be violated and restrictions on Tibetan language and culture remain in place. Tibetans face social discrimination, while the natural environment faces severe damage. “We need your support,” he concluded.

Representative Elliot Engel from New York told the crowd, “It’s good to see you, just as it was good to see the children at the school yesterday. We believe in freedom and democracy for all people—Tibetans too. In New York, where I’m from, stands the Statue of Liberty, and Tibetans have the same wish for freedom as everyone else who looks to that statue for inspiration. Self-determination is very important. Tibetans should be allowed to decide their own future. The American people will not forget you. When we get back to Washington we’ll do what we can to help you.”

From Seattle, Representative Pramila Jayapal said that to be among this delegation visiting His Holiness and the Tibetan community was a great honour. “Your Holiness, you are a beacon of hope for people all over the world looking for peace and justice. I was born in India and on this Buddha Purnima day I’d like to tell you I’m proud of the help my birth country has given the Tibetan community. Back in the US Congress we’ll raise our voices for Tibetans to follow their religion and culture in peace.”

Representative Nancy Pelosi began her address with a little Tibetan. “To each of you personally I say ‘Tashi Delek.’ From right across America we bring you greetings from the American people. We express bipartisan support for the aspirations of the Tibetan people.

“His Holiness is a visionary, a man of compassion. He inspires us with his sense of hope, his belief in the power of compassion and that people are good. You have such a determination to preserve your Tibetan identity. We look forward to your being able to return to Tibet. Betty McCullum, Jim McGovern and I went to the Potala in Tibet and prayed that His Holiness be able to return there. We are so inspired by his message of hope and dignity for all peoples. We feel that if we don’t support Tibet we have no moral authority.

“I say to some in China, we hope you’ll see the light. Something is missing in Tibet. Some in China regard freedom as inconceivable. We see it as inevitable. We will succeed.”

Finally, His Holiness was invited to address the gathering, which he did in Tibetan.

“Today I wish to greet all of you Tibetans who are actually gathered here, young and old, monastics as well as lay-people, all those who are not here but live in free countries and those of you who live in fear and anxiety in Tibet. According to archaeological findings there have been Tibetans in Tibet for almost 30,000 years, one of the oldest civilizations. In 1959, many of us came into exile. All we knew for sure was the sky above and the earth below. We had no idea what would happen to us. We lived in fear and unease.

“After 58 years we have made friends with people we didn’t know before. People support us not for reasons of economic or political influence, not because we are poor, but because they believe in justice. This delegation from the USA, led by Nancy Pelosi, who has been my friend for a long time, supports us because we have truth on our side and because we are non-violent. Support for us, even among Chinese people, has increased because we are looking for a mutually beneficial solution. We attract support because of the candour and compassion for others to which we are accustomed.

“Human conflict cannot finally be resolved through the use of force and resort to weapons. In the 20th century historians estimate 200 million people died through the use of force, but with no positive result. We haven’t resolved problems by force in the past and we won’t in the future. People support Tibetans because of our pursuit of candour, justice and non-violence. These derive from the Nalanda tradition, a tradition rooted in compassion that we have kept alive for more than 1000 years.

“The complete Nalanda tradition has only been preserved in Tibet. It’s something of which we are proud and something that today we can share with others. When we came into exile we seemed helpless, but what we can contribute to the world at large is a raising of awareness of compassion. And by standing by our principles we’ll reach the dawning of a new day for Tibet. Those of you who are determined to defend our cause, despite the difficulties involved, I’d like to thank for your friendship and support.”

His Holiness went on to explain that if we have peace of mind we will not only be happy but will enjoy good health. He said that Tibetan culture focuses on inner transformation. It’s not based on blind faith, but on recognizing the interdependent nature of things. Experience has shown him that what earlier Tibetans preserved and passed down is a wonderful tradition.

“The Chinese people can be our friends. To establish harmony between Tibetans and Chinese we need to reach a mutually beneficial solution.”

As Dhardon Sharling for the Department of Information & International Relations offered an extensive vote of thanks, His Holiness led the delegation upstairs. He took them first into the Kalachakra temple where monks of Namgyal Monastery, led by their Abbot Thomthog Rinpoche, were performing Kalachakra prayers in connection with a fully constructed sand mandala. From there they went to the main temple where His Holiness introduced the various images to them. He explained that depictions of the emaciated ‘fasting Buddha’ are a reminder of the hardship the Buddha underwent to attain enlightenment.

Describing the thousand armed statue of Avalokiteshvara he told the delegates that a similar image standing in the Jokhang in Lhasa was smashed during the Cultural Revolution. Some remnants had been brought to him from Tibet and he showed them two of those faces. Indicating the statue of Guru Padmasambhava he spoke of how the Emperor, Scholar and Adept—Trisong Detsen, Shantarakshita and Padmasambhava—had worked together to establish Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century CE. Because Shantarakshita was a logician as well as a philosopher, the use of reason and logic had been an integral part of Tibetan Buddhism right from the start.

He related this to what he thinks of as four aspects of the Buddha. He was the founder of Buddhism, certainly, but he was also a philosopher, a thinker and sceptical like a scientist. Because of this he recommended his followers not to accept what he taught at face value, but to investigate it in the light of reason and only then accept it. Nancy Pelosi asked about the scriptures stacked on either side of main Buddha statue and His Holiness told her that about 100 volumes preserve what the Buddha taught, while 225 more contain the treatises of subsequent Indian Buddhist masters.

From the Tsuglagkhang His Holiness and the entire delegation walked back to his residence. They enjoyed tea together before the delegation left for the airport and their flight to Delhi.

original link & photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/us-congressional-delegation-given-a-warm-welcome-at-thekchen-ch%C3%B6ling