Dharamshala, India — Describing Tibet has the truth on its side, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that Tibetans living inside and outside Tibet have upheld the Tibetan spirit despite hardhsips, therefore, the Tibetan religion, culture and values are intact and flourishing today.
A long life prayer offering for His Holiness the Dalai Lama was held at the main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, India, organised by five groups. The prayer event was offered by Shang Gaden Choekhorling Monastery, Federation of Tibetan Cooperative, Doekham Chushi Gangdrug based in Delhi, Tibetan residents of Bhutan and Members of Kham Gonjo County.
Addressing to a crowd of devotees in colourful traditional costume, His Holiness the Dalai Lama began by thanking and greeting all the organisers and devotees who have especially come to offer the Long Life prayers from far.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama in his words of encouragement said, “At this very difficult period, we have truth on our side. Despite hardships, Tibetans inside Tibet and exile have upheld the Tibetan spirit and therefore, today our religion, culture and values are intact and flourishing.”
His Holiness noted that those who are offering long-life prayer essentially represents the aspiration and hope of Tibetans around the globe. He also applauded the togetherness and unity of the Tibetans and depicted the prevalence of unity in ancient Tibet when Tibetans were united and all the three provinces lived as one.
Addressing the five groups offering tenshug, His Holiness said, “today, here you are sincerely and with a pure heart making this long-life offering. This represents the eminent solidarity and unity of the Tibetan people”.
His Holiness further mentioned that the story of Tibetan refugees is unlike any other counterparts and it is a specimen that anyone can stand the test of time as long as hope and unity prevails. He further elucidated that the Tibetans in exile have dedicated so much for the cause of Tibet due to which many people around the world now know the story of Tibet and Tibetan people.
Praising the 17 pandits of Nalanda tradition for their logical way of teaching Buddhism, His Holiness, in particular, expressed his gratitude to Master Shantarakshita for his advice to translate the holy texts into Tibetan language and not any other languages, because of which His Holiness noted Tibetan scriptures came into being. He then related Buddhism in today’s world while stressing about Quantum Physics which he said was already discovered 2500 years ago in the Buddhist tradition.
Speaking further, His Holiness urged the monastic institutes to cultivate the study of modern science and thereby have a discussion with experts and researchers. He also remarked that the modern scientist on the other can benefit a lot from Buddhist tradition as well since much of Buddha’s teaching is profound and established through reasoning and logic. He further asserted that the Tibetan language is the best for those wishing to study Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
His Holiness said that there are many scholars from all the traditions of Buddhism and urged to continue working hard so that the tradition can survive for many more centuries. On that note, His Holiness lauded Namdroling an extensive Nyingma Monastery and the head of the monastery Late Penor Rinpoche for serving the Buddha Dharma very well.
In the end, His Holiness encouraged Tibetans to continue walking the path of truth and said, “our power lies in the power of truth. Chinese possess the power of a gun. In the end, the power of truth always prevails over violence”.
Thanking the organisers for the profound and extensive Tenshug, His Holiness the Dalai Lama assured his good health which innately brought a surge of joy on the faces of thousands of devotees.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is known throughout the world as a leading advocate for world peace and non-violence. His message is one of kindness and compassion to all sentient beings. Over the past 60 years, he has traveled around the world spreading a message of Peace and Universal Responsibility.
He also believes that the common aim of all religions, an aim that everyone must try to find, is to foster tolerance, altruism, and love. He retired from politics in 2011. But, as one among six million Tibetans, His Holiness said he will continue to serve the cause of Tibet.
In 1959, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama along with thousands of others escaped to India, where he was given political asylum. The spiritual leader has set up a government and rebuilt monasteries where masters pass on their teachings to young monks. Tibetans in exile have succeeded in gradually rebuilding their monasteries, preserving their culture, restructuring their society and keeping it alive, in spite of the extremely difficult circumstances.
