Dalai Lama gave teachings on the Jataka Tales in Dharamshala

Report by Arvind Sharma, Dharamshala: Marking the festival of Chotrul Duchen, one His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave teachings on the Jataka Tales followed by a teaching on Tsongkhapa’s In Praise of Dependent Origination (tendrel toepa) and Geshe Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses of Training of Mind (lojong tsikgyema) in the morning at the Main Tibetan Temple

Every year on the occasion of Chotrul Duchen, one of the four major Buddhist holidays observed by Tibetan Buddhists on the fifteenth day of the first Tibetan month, Dalai Lama gives teachings on the Jataka Tales. The festival was celebrated for 550 years in Lhasa and continues today. Dalai Lama Gave teachings today at Tsuglagkhang , The main Tibetan temple at Mecleodganj. Tsuglagkhang Complex is Located in McLeod Ganj, just above the town of Dharamsala, India, the Tsuglagkhang Complex is the official home of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Among the scores of devotees at today’s discourse were the officials and staff of Central Tibetan Administration including the heads of the Autonomous bodies, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Kalons, Members of Tibetan Parliament, Secretaries and other functionaries.

Speaking at the occasion Dalai Lama said that despite facing adversities,Tibetans have remained steadfast in their commitment to the cause and preservation of Tibetan religious and cultural heritage.

“The undaunted and unwavering spirit of Tibetans in Tibet and the committed efforts of those in exile have ensured that the Tibet issue is not forgotten,” His Holiness said.

“Tibetans who live freely in exile are a source of hope to their brothers and sisters in Tibet. And likewise, Tibetans in Tibet have remained our inspiration.”

In retrospect, His Holiness said he saw the six decades of Tibetan exile as “a blessing in disguise”, an opportunity to re-invigorate Tibetan identity as a people of unique culture, heritage and religious tradition.

“Today our culture and religion have garnered admiration and respect from all corners of the world. And, unlike other religious traditions, Tibetan Buddhist tradition can confidently engage with modern scientists.” the Tibetan spiritual leader said on Tuesday.

“These are fruition of the farsighted and visionary leadership of the great dharma kings, erudite scholars and masters of Tibet. Today, the six million Tibetans are more united than ever.”

In his two-hour-long teaching session, His Holiness explained how Tibetan Buddhism was akin to an heir to the Nalanda Tradition with the Tibetan language offering the most accurate explanation of Buddhist canons.

Dalai Lama said, “I feel optimistic about the future because humanity seems to be growing more mature; scientists are paying more attention to our inner values, to the study of mind and the emotions. There is a clear desire for peace and concern for the environment.”