His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in Oslo to Warm Public Welcome

Oslo, Norway, 7 May 2014 - Many friends came to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama off from Riga, before he drove to the airport under leaden skies. A Norwegian journalist who approached him there was the first to ask the question that would be repeated several times during the day - what did he feel about the Norwegian Government’s declining to meet him while he’s in Oslo? He replied that such responses have become normal, that he accepts things as they are.

“National interest is important, but I can assure you that the Dalai Lama is not a harmful person. My interest is to meet the public to promote human values, our need to see all 7 billion human beings as members of one family. In the face of major problems, we have to consider what benefits the whole world, not just this country or that. In the long run, we must bring principles and human values to bear in whatever we do, whether it involves politics, business, religion or education. If I had a political agenda, I might feel disappointed, but I don’t.”

On arrival at Oslo airport there were driving winds as wet snow fell. He was met by members of the committee who have organized his visit. He repeated to journalists there his interest to meet ordinary people and engage the public in discussion about human values such as love and compassion. The drive into the city was fast and he was met by large crowds of cheering, friendly people waiting to welcome him waving Tibetan flags and banners bearing greetings. His Holiness addressed them from the balcony of the hotel, telling them how pleased he was to be there and how happy he was to see them. Invited to the Nobel Institute to mark the 25th anniversary of his being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, His Holiness was welcomed by Chairman of the Nobel Committee Thorbjørn Jagland, who escorted him into a meeting over lunch with present members of the Committee.

This was followed by a round-table meeting with the media. Thorbjørn Jagland introduced His Holiness, noting that it is 25 years since he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and that the Nobel Committee still has one member from that time. He remarked that he was awarded the prize in recognition of his efforts to bring freedom to the Tibetan people through non-violence and his concern for the natural environment. He said:

“You are a man of peace, a religious leader worth listening to and someone worth speaking to.”

The first question from the assembled journalists was that the Nobel Peace Prize is described by some as a blessing by others as a curse; how did he feel about it? His Holiness replied:

“Of course, as a blessing. I remember Archbishop Desmond Tutu, my friend and spiritual brother telling me how difficult it was for him to meet some people before, which became much easier after he was awarded the prize. I was in California attending a conference of scientists when I heard the announcement and I was asked how I felt. I said, ‘Not much different, I am a simple Buddhist monk, no more, no less.’ But since the prize was in recognition of my commitment to non-violence and my work for peace, I felt it was a great honour.

“Later, when Aung San Suu Kyi and Liu Xiaobo were awarded the Peace Prize and they were in difficult circumstances, I felt it would have been a source of encouragement and inspiration for them.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during a roundtable meeting with the media at the Nobel Institute in Oslo, Norway on May 8, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
Asked whether he was disappointed that members of the Norwegian government and the Speaker of parliament would not be meeting him, he replied:

“No, why? My main interest is in the promotion of human values. From birth we have a sense of affection and some sense of concern for others. We need to nurture it. Scientists have found that to ensure even physical health peace of mind is essential. People often think that love and compassion are only matters of religious concern, but in fact such values are necessary in all human relations. As a Buddhist monk, I am also interested in fostering inter-religious harmony.

“Wherever I go my aim is to meet the public. If leaders like President Obama meet with me that’s fine, but I don’t ever want to put anyone to any inconvenience. When I arrived here today, I was happy to see the large number of ordinary people who came. The world belongs to all of us, not just to our leaders. 

When His Holiness was asked whether China’s increasing influence was able to limit his and the Tibetan government-in-exile’s work, he clarified that he does not refer to the Central Tibetan Administration, which looks after the Tibetan community, in that way. But he laughed and remarked that it seems the more the Chinese government criticize him, the more his popularity grows. To a question about whether it seems easier or more difficult to resolve differences with the Chinese authorities since he was awarded the Peace Prize, he said that it is nearly 70 years since the formation of the People’s Republic of China. Over that period he perceives different eras. Mao Zedong’s era was concerned with ideology; Deng Xiaoping’s era saw the opening up to capitalism; Jiang Zemin saw the expansion of party membership to include more than just the working classes and Hu Jintao sought to ensure a harmonious society.

“So, you see, the same party, with the same ideology has shown that it can adapt to a changing reality. As China opens up, as its students study abroad and are exposed to freedom and a lack of censorship, things are bound to change. Wen Jiabao said China needs political reform, even US style democracy.”

On the question of support for human rights in China and Tibet, His Holiness expressed the view that smaller countries, like Norway, may wield more influence because they are not perceived as a threat.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and members of the media during their roundtable meeting at the Nobel Institute in Oslo, Norway on May 8, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
To a question about the more than 130 self-immolations that have taken place in Tibet, His Holiness said it is very sad. He repeated what he has said before that these drastic actions are a symptom of deep unease among Tibetans. This is what the Chinese authorities should investigate. Instead they choose to blame His Holiness and his supporters. He has suggested they allow reporters to go and investigate the circumstances that prompt these people to take such a drastic step. They are not drunk or beset by family problems; there are other causes for what they are doing.

His Holiness pointed out that although Hu Jintao’s aim of creating a harmonious society was admirable, the method, the use of force and suppression, was wrong. He said that of the 200 nations in the world, China is the only one where more is spent on internal security than on the external defence budget. Increasing the number of security personnel only serves to increase fear. Friends have told him that the effect of the profusion of security cameras in Lhasa has been to increase suspicion and fear.

The question of the pro-Shugden demonstrators on the street outside came up. His Holiness’s response began with his statement that he always stresses that it is better and safer to stick to the religion you are born to. However, if someone thinks that Buddhism is useful to them they are free to follow it. He mentioned the Buddha’s encouraging his followers to examine what he had said, to investigate and experiment with it, rather than just accept it at face value. About these demonstrations he said:

“It’s a long story. This spirit, Shugden, has been controversial since the time of the 5th Dalai Lama nearly 400 years ago. The 5th Dalai Lama said it had arisen as a result of distorted prayers and was doing harm to the Buddhadharma and beings. Many prominent Lamas after that took a similar view. The 13th Dalai Lama placed restrictions on this practice, even though it didn’t have so many followers.

“Then the disgraceful thing that happened was that that out of ignorance I propitiated this spirit from 1951 until the early 1970s. I began to realize there was something wrong with it and when I looked into it found that both the 5th and 13th Dalai Lamas had opposed it before me, so I stopped the practice. Eventually the public came to know about this and I consider it my duty to inform them.

“Worshippers of this spirit set up their own group. They accuse me of imposing a ban on it, but that’s not so. Anyone who wants to can go to South India and see the large monasteries of those who wish to continue this practice.

“A spiritual bond is formed between a teacher and disciple and I have asked that if people want to worship this spirit they don’t take teachings from me. This is what they are calling a ban. They chant “Stop lying,’ but I think you should ask who is lying here. I try to be non-sectarian. This practice has long been associated with sectarianism. I feel sorry for these demonstrators because of their ignorance about this issue.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the Nobel Committee during his visit to the Nobel Institute in Oslo, Norway on May 8, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
A journalist mentioned that as a Nobel Laureate, His Holiness is entitled to nominate others to be awarded the Peace Prize and asked if he had done so. His Holiness laughed and said he thought it was the Committee’s job to do that. Asked if he thought he would still be able to visit Tibet and the PRC in this life, he replied that if he lives another 15 or 20 years he hopes so, but if he only lives another one or two years there may not be a chance.

“Anyway, if I am able to go, I hope that journalists like all of you will be able to come too.”

Tomorrow, His Holiness will be at Oslo University, teaching ‘The Eight Verses of Mind Training’ in the morning and discussing ‘Taking Responsibility for Tomorrow’s World’ in the afternoon.

View the original article here

First Day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Teachings in Riga, Latvia

Riga, Latvia, 5 May 2014 - A blustery wind off the Baltic Sea added to the cold as His Holiness the Dalai Lama was welcomed at the door of the Kipsala International Exhibition Centre and escorted to the stage. Almost 3500 people of all ages, some from Latvia, but most from the European part of Russia waited attentively to hear what he had to say.

“As you have shown interest in our meeting and as I am at present unable to come to Russia, I thought it might be easier for us to meet here, than for you to come to India,” he told them. “I asked the local organizers if this could be done and I’m grateful to them for making these arrangements. What’s more I’d like to thank all of you for making the effort to come.”

He said that the texts he wanted to teach were the ‘Heart Sutra’ a short Perfection of Wisdom text, which is recited in all Mahayana Buddhist countries, China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Tibet and Mongolia, although those reciting do not always understand what it means. The second text was the ‘37 Practices of a Bodhisattva’ by Thogme Sangpo, a Tibetan scholar and practitioner. His Holiness suggested that at the end of each session there should be time for him to answer questions from the audience. “If material and technological development brought complete peace and happiness, people in advanced, developed countries should be really happy, and yet many are not. Material development provides physical comfort, but not mental peace. We may feel pain and pleasure on a sensory, physical, level, or on a mental level. Pleasure on a sensory level, like that derived from watching sport or listening to beautiful music is relatively short-lived, whereas satisfaction on a mental level, for example, love and faith, which do not depend on our senses, is more durable.”

He said that while physical pain can be subdued by mental satisfaction, mental unease is not allayed by physical comfort. If we are worried, stressed or frightened, having a beautiful house or listening to delightful music brings little relief. A disturbed mind is not calmed by mere physical satisfaction. As an example of the distinction he was trying to draw, His Holiness recounted his meeting with a Christian monk at the abbey of Montserrat who had spent five years living as a hermit in retreat in the mountains with little other than tea and bread to sustain him. When His Holiness asked about his practice he said he had been meditating on love. As he said it His Holiness noted a sparkle in his eyes that indicated his tremendous satisfaction.

“On the other hand I’ve met billionaires who have all they need and more who are very unhappy. Scientists have findings that show that a calm mind is good for our physical well-being. They also have evidence that mental training can change our attitudes, enabling us to be happier. Our human intelligence can be a source of happiness, but if misused it can also be a source of stress and worry.”

He said that only human beings develop religious faith. Such faith may have begun with worship of the sun, but in time the idea of God the creator emerged and with it the idea that since he created everything, there is a spark of God in everyone. All religions convey a message of love and compassion and because hatred is an obstacle to that, they teach tolerance and patience. And because greed is also an obstacle they teach simplicity and contentment. Non-theistic traditions like the Samkhyas, Jains and Buddhists instead of turning to a creator teach the law of causality, the principle of cause and effect, which resembles a scientific view.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to the over 3500 people attending the first day of his two day teaching in Riga, Latvia on May 5, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
In addition to this, a unique feature of Buddhism is that it teaches that to accept the existence of an independent self is to entertain all sorts of contradictions. The German brain specialist Wolf Singer pointed out to His Holiness that there is no central authority in the brain, which he felt resonated with the idea of no independent self.

His Holiness reiterated that because all religious traditions teach love, compassion and self-discipline they have helped humanity immensely. But one tradition cannot satisfy everyone, so there is a need for variety. If we choose to adopt a religious or spiritual practice he said we should do so seriously and sincerely. He added:

“I’m a Buddhist, but wherever I go I speak about our need for secular ethics. Ethics give rise to inner values which encourage self-confidence enabling us to lead a meaningful life.”

Mentioning two matters of pressing concern everywhere today, the gap between rich and poor and ingrained corruption, he asked people in the audience to indicate with their hands whether these problems were large or small where they lived. The number of outstretched arms indicated that these are two major problems to reckon with. His Holiness suggested that while the use of violence may seem to provide short term satisfaction, it never solves problems, but creates new ones. He asserted that this century, in contrast with the last, should be an era of dialogue.

In answering questions from the audience, His Holiness recommended that teachers not only concern themselves with communicating knowledge, but also with setting an ethical example. Meanwhile, it is essential that parents shower their children with affection. He pointed out that not everyone has an interest in religious practice, but no one can object to advice about love and compassion. He also highlighted a unique feature of Buddhist tradition that is the Buddha’s own advice to subject all he taught to investigation and experiment, not to accept it on faith alone. His Holiness compares this to a scientific view.

Returning from lunch, His Holiness spoke about the Buddhist tradition and how some time after the Buddha objections were raised that the Sanskrit tradition, the Mahayana, was not his teaching. He said that Nagarjuna, Bhavaviveka, Maitreya and Shantideva all wrote in its defence. The Pali tradition records teachings the Buddha gave in public, whereas the Perfection of Wisdom teachings, including the ‘Heart Sutra’ were taught to a more select audience. On the one hand they were not taught publicly; on the other their content reveals them as the Buddha’s teachings. They convey the weight of the Buddhadharma. The teaching of the Four Noble Truths is part of the Pali tradition, but their detailed explanation is part of the Sanskrit tradition. It would be a mistake to say that the Buddha’s presentation was limited, but his followers’ was more elaborate.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during the first day of his two day teaching in Riga, Latvia on May 5, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
His Holiness recalled that the Vinaya is a theme common to all Buddhist traditions. He told a story of meeting two Burmese Buddhist monks at the World Parliament of Religions in Australia. They told him we are followers of the same Buddha, but there are differences between our traditions. His Holiness agreed, but told them that at least they had the Vinaya in common. The Burmese monks expressed surprise that the Vinaya was upheld in Tibet.

Clarifying the history of Buddhism in India, His Holiness mentioned the great universities of Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramashila. Indicating the painting behind him he said these 17 masters depicted around the Buddha were not only monks, but also great scholars and logicians. He refers to Tibetan Buddhism, not as Lamaism as some writers have described it, but as the pure Nalanda tradition.

In some places the Buddha referred to the five psycho-physical aggregates as like a load carried by the person, as if the person were separate from the aggregates. But elsewhere he says there is no person apart from the aggregates. Later Indian scholars wrote extensively about logic and epistemology, including Shantarakshita and his disciple Kamalashila who were instrumental in establishing Buddhism in Tibet. Consequently, Tibetan scholars such as Sakya Pandita investigated the teachings with logic and reasoning.

“Both Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist traditions derive from the Nalanda tradition. I began to study in this manner from the age of 6, an age at which I would have preferred to play,” His Holiness recalled. “And my limited experience has shown me that an understanding of emptiness and altruism brings peace of mind.”

View of stage at the Kipsala International Exhibition Centre, venue for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teaching in Riga, Latvia on May 5, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
Explaining the three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma, His Holiness said that the Vinaya is part of the First Turning; the Perfection of Wisdom teachings, which extensively explain selflessness, are part of the Second Turning, while the Third turning deals with the nature of the mind. So, the First Turning deals with morality as the basis for mindfulness and introspection, the Second deals with emptiness and the Third with meditation on the awakening mind of bodhichitta and emptiness in terms of the nature of the mind. He mentioned different levels of subtlety of the mind, such as the waking state, the dream state and deep sleep, adding that in Buddhist tantra it is the subtlest level of the mind that is the basis for Buddhahood.

The collection of Perfection of Wisdom teachings include the 100,000, 25,000, 18,000 and 8,000 line editions, the 100 line ‘Diamond Cutter Sutra’ popular in China and this 25 line ‘Heart Sutra’. His Holiness remarked that the Buddha showed the path in teachings such as these, but the benefit arises from putting them into practice. In some ways, he said, this is why the Buddha is comparable to a scientist.

Going through the ‘Heart Sutra’, His Holiness explained that things exist in dependence on other factors, so they do not exist independently. Emptiness does not make things empty; phenomena themselves are empty, because they do not have independent existence. He alluded to the interdependence between cause and effect, that something is a cause only because there is an effect. The ‘Heart Sutra’ shows that independent existence is an illusion by saying “Form is empty, emptiness is form.” Emptiness is a property of the form, and form is the basis of the property of emptiness. When you look for form, you find emptiness. This is what undermines clinging to intrinsic existence. He remarked that consciousness too is empty and mentioned that meditation on emptiness is effective in undermining our negative emotions; it is not just an intellectual exercise. Negative emotions are not of the nature of the mind; they do not taint its luminosity.

Taking questions again from the audience, His Holiness was asked about the function of the Buddhist temple that is proposed for Moscow. He said that he had met members of the organizing committee and told them that it should be a learning centre, a place to study. He mentioned his reappraisal of Buddhist literature in terms of Buddhist science, philosophy and religion. Buddhist science and philosophy can be of universal interest, while the religious part is only for Buddhists. In this context, he said a book dealing with Buddhist science has been prepared and is being translated into different languages. He proposed that Russian be one of them.

A member of the audience asking His Holiness the Dalai Lama a question during the first day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's two day teaching in Riga, Latvia on May 5, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
To a question about previous lives, His Holiness’s answer that previous lives are already in the past amused his listeners. He said that what are more important are tomorrow and the next life which is still in our power to shape. He mentioned that the substantial cause of mind is mind, that consciousness has no beginning or end. Therefore, if we lead meaningful lives now, we can ensure a good life in the next.

A young woman from Ukraine asked how she could contribute in the present circumstances and His Holiness said the question was quite sensitive. However, he recommended Shantideva’s advice to act according to reality. Most important is to achieve the benefit of the greatest number of people. If something will cause more trouble, better avoid it. He gave the example from the Vinaya that if a monk sees a deer followed by a hunter who asks which way it went, he is justified in answering, “I only saw a bird,” to protect the deer.

“Adopting violence is always wrong; this is no longer the time for violence. Violence and the use of force provoke unexpected results. The use of force is out of date; it brings fear and distrust, which will not help solve the problem.

“Good night, see you tomorrow.”

View the original article here

Mind Training & Taking Responsibility for Tomorrow’s World

Oslo, Norway, 8 May 2014 - Today is Norwegian Liberation Day, the day 69 years ago that Norway was officially liberated from Nazi forces. Civil rule had been effectively assumed by the ‘Reich Commissariat of Norway’ acting in collaboration with a pro-German puppet government, while the Norwegian king and legitimate government continued to operate in exile from London.

As His Holiness started out for the day, Norwegian private book collector Martin Schøyen presented him examples of ancient Buddhist texts in Tibetan, including a page from the ‘Amitayus Sutra’ that he said was the oldest Tibetan text in existence. Arriving at Oslo University, Tibetans and Norwegian friends had gathered to welcome him. Once inside he had a brief meeting with a group of several Christian bishops and priests. He said:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking with Christian Bishops on his arrival at he Chateau Neuf Theatre in Oslo, Norway on May 8, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL He remarked that whenever he has the opportunity to meet other spiritual sisters and brothers he is happy and honoured to do so. Helga Haugland Byfuglen, Presiding Bishop of the Church of Norway, speaking for the group, thanked His Holiness for coming and told him that he was among friends. She agreed with him that it is necessary for religious people to get to know each other to be able to shape the future together. His Holiness took up the point and explained his efforts to promote secular ethics. He remarked that while ethics is the basis of all religions, it is not necessary for people to be religious to live ethical lives. Ethics bring a sense of confidence and a calm mind, which in turn fosters health and well-being.

In the Chateau Neuf theatre, before an audience of 1220, His Holiness said:

“I’m very happy to be here, with Buddhist monks and nuns representing the Pali and Sanskrit traditions and Christian brothers and sisters. Religious harmony is not just a matter of making diplomatic gestures but developing respect and mutual admiration. To think that all 7 billion human beings should become either Buddhist or Christian is unrealistic. These traditions have existed for centuries and will continue to do so in the future, so we have to live together. As I am going to teach about Buddhism today, I’d like to invite the Thai monks and nuns to chant the ‘Mangala Sutra’ in Pali and the Vietnamese monks to chant the ‘Heart Sutra’ in their language.”

In a brief introduction to the occasion, a representative of Karma Tashi Ling Buddhist Society told His Holiness that the only Buddhist temple in Scandinavia is nearing completion, inviting him to attend its inauguration next year. His Holiness replied that as he gets older invitations multiply and while he’s willing in spirit to attend he will have to see what is physically possible.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the Chateau Neuf Theatre in Oslo, Norway on May 8, 2014. Photo/Oliver Adam
“The West is a non-Buddhist region, while Buddhism is a largely Asian tradition,” he began. “I usually advise that it is better and safer to keep to your own tradition, not changing your faith like a change in fashion. However, if an individual really feels that a Buddhist approach is more helpful or effective for him or her, that’s up to them, but religious practice requires dedication and sincerity. Let me tell you about a Tibetan woman who came to see me in the 1960s. Her husband had died and she had two children to bring up. At that time Christian missionaries offered Tibetan refugees immense help with food and education. She told me that she had accepted such help for her children and consequently had become a Christian for this life, but would be a Buddhist in her next life - a clear sign of confusion!”

His Holiness went on to talk about an occasion in Australia when a Christian minister called Bill Crews, who provides help and support for the homeless, introduced him as a good Christian. In turn His Holiness told the gathering that he regarded Rev. Crews as a good Buddhist, noting that both try to practise love, compassion, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline.

When Buddhism was brought to Tibet in the 8th century, it was a revelation. As one great Tibetan master said:

In Tibet, the Land of Snow,
The natural colour is white,
But until the light came from India,
Tibet remained in the dark.

His Holiness said that all Tibet’s Buddhist knowledge had come from India and that the master who first established it, Shantarakshita, was not only a good monk, but also an exceptional philosopher and logician. A keen study of philosophy and logic became characteristics of Tibetan Buddhism. And it is this context that His Holiness has jokingly remarked when people build huge statues that while he appreciates them, the statues will never speak. The way to maintain the tradition is to cultivate knowledge in the mind. He explained that the word for Buddha in Tibetan indicates that he has eliminated all negative aspects and cultivated all positive qualities. Because a Buddha is able to perceive conventional and ultimate truth simultaneously, he is not subject as we are to the huge gap between appearance and reality.

Many of the over 1200 people attending His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teaching at the Chateau Neuf Theatre in Oslo, Norway on May 8, 2014. Photo/Duy Anh Pham
Saying that warm-heartedness opens the mind and brings inner strength, His Holiness denied the suggestion that Buddhism has no place for desire. He said this is a misunderstanding. We have a desire to lead a happy life, we have a desire to overcome suffering and achieve Buddhahood, and we have a right to work to fulfil these desires.

Turning to the text of Geshe Langri Tangpa’s ‘Eight Verses of Mind Training’, he said that seven of the verses concerned the method aspect of the path, while the last verse concerns wisdom. He then read through and paraphrased each verse in turn.

“I will regard all sentient beings as precious; I’ll show them respect. Whenever I meet them, I’ll cultivate a wish to fulfil their well-being; I’ll be prepared to serve them. We see Christian brothers and sisters doing just this, sacrificing their own comfort to serve others. When disturbing emotions like anger, hatred and jealousy threaten to arise I will stop them, for example by observing my breath. When I meet sick people who are subject to discrimination, like lepers or AIDS sufferers, I’ll extend them my help. When someone criticizes or scolds me, even though I tried to help them, I’ll give them the victory and accept the defeat. When someone I’ve helped does me harm, I won’t retaliate, but regard them as a teacher of patience. Through study and training, I’ll learn to take others’ sufferings upon myself and offer them my joy. Finally, regarding the eight worldly concerns, I will view everything like an illusion. Although things appear to have objective existence, I will see them as being like illusions.”

His Holiness attended a discussion with students in the afternoon focussed on the theme ‘Taking Responsibility for Tomorrow’s World’. The occasion opened with a startling flute recital by Tale Coleman and continued with an introduction by Oslo University Rector Ole Petter Ottersen. He remarked that for decades His Holiness has been the face of Tibet and speculated that the world would be a better place if its battles were fought through dialogue and argument as His Holiness commends.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking with students at Auditorium Oslo University in Oslo, Norway on May 8, 2014. Photo/Oliver Adam
His Holiness told his audience that he is always happy to talk to young students. While counting himself a member of the 20th century generation whose time has passed, he asserted that those who are less than 30 years old belong to the generation of the 21st century.

“It is your responsibility to work with vision, determination and wisdom to create a happier, more peaceful world. It won’t be achieved through mere prayer or wishful thinking but will require you to take action, while respecting others and their needs. We need to consider all 7 billion human beings alive today as belonging to one human family. Climate change and the global economy affect us all beyond national boundaries. We are faced with problems like the huge gap between rich and poor in many parts of the world.

“We are social animals so taking others’ well-being into account is in our long-term self-interest. Look at bees, they have no religion, no constitution, no police, yet they work together because they are social animals. I suggest the 21st century generation keep these things in mind.”

David Abram spoke eloquently about our relationship with the earth and how much we take for granted. We overlook the magical importance of gravity. We speak of living on the earth, whereas we actually live in the air and the air lives in us. His Holiness agreed suggesting that in places like India, development takes place in the countryside and villages rather than in the cities alone.

Students listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at Auditorium Oslo University in Oslo, Norway on May 8, 2014. Photo/Oliver AdamFour students spoke articulately about their views of the future: one asked shouldn’t we recycle more, use public transport and reduce our energy consumption. Another appreciated the need to work with each other and to teach more in schools about what needs to be done for the future. Another questioned whether the problem isn’t that human beings are prone to taking short-sighted decisions. The young woman among them said her generation would be bringing children into a world in distress. She wanted young people to have a veto on policies being implemented now that will have negative consequence she and her peers will have to clear up. She said, for example, that there is no clean way of polluting, so the focus on petroleum has to change.

His Holiness concluded:

“When we face problems what’s important is to assess what we can actually achieve. I’m an old man who has faced all sorts of difficulties in his life, but I’ve never given up.

“In the past, when the need for leadership arose, physical strength was the criterion and so favoured men. Education has brought greater equality of potential. At a time when we need greater concern for the environment and sensitivity towards others’ concerns we need more women to take a lead.

“Thank you.”

Tomorrow, His Holiness will be visiting the Norwegian Parliament and the Nobel Peace Centre.

View the original article here

Japan Tour Ends with Audiences for Tibetans, Mongolians and Chinese

Tokyo, Japan, 18 April 2014 - Before leaving for the airport and his flight back to India this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama made time to meet separately with groups of Chinese, Mongolians and Tibetans.

Meeting first with more than 100 people from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and China he said:

“Wherever I go I try to meet with Chinese friends. Tibetans and Chinese have had relations with each other since the time of Songtsen Gampo. Sometimes we’ve fought, but for more than one thousand years we’ve shared an interest in Buddhism. This began when Songtsen Gampo took a Chinese and a Nepalese wife. So I often tell Chinese Buddhists that I respect you as the senior students. Similarly, when I’m talking to Indians I tell them that as far as we are concerned Indians are our gurus and we are the disciples. And I mention that in times of trouble we look to the gurus and senior students for help. I have been to Taiwan several times and many Chinese have come to Dharamsala so our people to people relations have improved.”

He pointed out that when we don’t know what the real situation is it gives rise to suspicion, which is unhelpful and unnecessary. If we are able to meet and learn what’s really going on it makes for happier relations. He said that he had been recommending that Tibetans reach out to China even before the Tiananmen incident took place, but until that point people from mainland China avoided contact with Tibetans. After it happened they came round and connections became stronger. He added that even today it seems a lot Chinese are out of touch with reality; therefore he suggested that people from Taiwan and Hong Kong, who have a better idea about what’s going on, should do what they can to help the people of China become better informed.“For example, although it might seem inappropriate to say so, those people in Tibet who have the courage to commit self-immolation are clearly capable of harming others, but have determined not to do so. Despite the difficulties they face they still follow the Buddha’s teaching about non-violence. This may not be clearly understood.”

He said that he has heard that recently in Tibet, where Tibetans used to work as tour guides they have been replaced by Chinese who denigrate Tibetan people to Chinese and other tourists. When Tibetans approach such groups to sell things to them they shoo them away. He suggested that problems between Tibet and China could be resolved, but hardliners continue to accuse Tibetans of being splittists.

“Since 1973 we decided not to take that line. Direct contact with China began in 1979 and we had already decided our stand. What we are asking for is the implementation of provisions already recognised in the Chinese constitution. Hardliners use the phrase ‘Greater Tibet’, but there is already recognition of Tibetan regions, prefectures and counties that share a common culture and language. We want these provisions fulfilled on an equal basis.

Audience members during the meeting with groups from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and China, listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking in Tokyo, Japan on April 18, 2014.
Photo/Office of Tibet, Japan
“Because the Tibetan language is a focus of our identity its use is discouraged. But as you know, the Tibetan language today is the best medium for explaining Buddhist philosophy and science. Sanskrit is no longer a living language and although there is substantial Buddhist literature available in Chinese, Tibetan translations are more accurate. So this issue is not just the concern of the Tibetan people, it’s about the expression of Buddhism in the world, the most comprehensive teaching of which is preserved in Tibetan.

“The existence of different languages is not a threat. Look at India, many people there speak and write in different languages without it being a threat to the country. When they enjoy equal rights under the rule of law people can live together in freedom and equality. Tibetans having their own language is not in itself a threat.”

He went on to mention that Hu Jintao’s idea of promoting a harmonious society was admirable, but it couldn’t be fulfilled by use of force. Friendship and harmony need to be based on trust not fear. Meanwhile the internal security budget in China exceeds the defence budget. His Holiness suspected that of the 200 countries in the world, this is only true of China. He concluded by saying that if harmony and respect prevailed between Tibetans and Chinese they could live together.

He invited questions from his listeners and the first was an invitation to come to Taiwan. His Holiness replied that since his first visit he had thought about coming to Taiwan every other year, but he hasn’t received government approval to do so. He said he’d wondered about making a transit stop in Taiwan on his way back from Okinawa, but that too was not approved. A woman who suggested that relations between Hong Kong and China have worsened lately asked how to stick to the path of non-violence. His Holiness responded that Tibetans have maintained a strictly non-violent approach for more than 50 years but it hasn’t yet solved the problem. He pointed out that in democratic countries there is transparency and that transparency is clearly better than secrecy and suspicion. Since the arrival of Xi Jinping there seems to be some improvement and he seems at least interested in seeking truth from facts.

“Don’t be discouraged,” he said.

Another questioner wanted to know if there was any chance of His Holiness coming to China and he reminded her that in the fourth round of meetings his representatives had had with the Chinese, he had expressed interest in making a pilgrimage to Wu Taishan, but like his plan to come to Taiwan, it wasn’t approved.

Meeting a group of about 50 Mongolians His Holiness praised the friendship and cultural ties Tibetans and Mongolians have long shared. He said:

“In the 20th century you faced great tragedy and Buddhism in Mongolia went into decline. Tibetans are facing similar problems now. But relations between Tibetans and Mongolians go back hundreds of years to when we roamed the land as nomads. Now that you have regained your freedom, you must use the opportunity well. There are too many examples in Africa of what can go wrong when freedom and democracy are misused. With democracy comes responsibility. Today, Mongolians place great faith in the Dharma, but faith based on reason is even firmer and more stable, so study is important. In the past there were many great scholars who came from Mongolia. However, understanding of Buddhism needs to be combined with basic modern education. Tibet was backward in terms of modern education and technological development and we lost our country.”

His Holiness advised Mongolians to emulate the determination exemplified by their people at the time of Genghis Khan. But today they need that kind of courage combined with intelligence. He said that he has also counselled Indians to focus development efforts in villages, not only in cities. Schools, hospitals and other facilities need to be provided to people in the rural areas where they live.

He recalled that there are now 300 Mongolian monks studying in the main Tibetan monasteries in South India who will be able to contribute to the flourishing of the Dharma in the future.

When he met with Tibetans who live in Japan His Holiness said he didn’t have a lot to say because he has been able to meet them quite often.

“My meetings with scientists and the ongoing dialogues I’ve had with them have reinforced my appreciation of the marvellous qualities of Tibetan language to describe how to deal with the mind and emotions. English is not yet adequate, the best language in this area is Tibetan. That’s something we can be proud of. After all, Buddhism is important as one of the great world religions.

“As I mentioned earlier when I met with some Chinese, self-immolations are still going on in Tibet. Those who do this clearly could, but don’t, choose to harm others. Despite everything, they don’t want to breach the basic Buddhist pledge not to hurt others. Even Chinese visitors to Tibet report that Tibetans are a kind and compassionate people. This is one of the reasons why our cause commands respect today. Keep up this moral standard, don’t be deceitful. Things are changing in China. People inside Tibet still have an unflinchingly strong spirit. We all have to keep this up. In the USA our representative office has moved to Washington DC, but I have suggested that a branch office be  maintained in New York to be focussed on keeping Tibetans in touch with each other. We have to stick together. Tashi delek.”

His Holiness then drove directly to Narita airport to board his flight to India. Representative Lhakpa Tshoko, who will shortly be transferred to Australia, Lungtok, who is to be his successor as Representative in Japan and East Asia and Tsering Dorje from the Representative’s office, were all there to see him off at the end of a successful two weeks in Japan.

View the original article here

Teaching Buddhism in the Morning, Secular Ethics in the Afternoon

Rotterdam, Holland, 11 May 2014 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s second day in Rotterdam began with rain beating against the windows. Before leaving for the Ahoy Stadium he gave three interviews: the first to Floris Harm van Luyn of NOS National News, who asked him about his meeting yesterday with the Dutch Foreign Minister.

Jacobine Geel who presents a talk show on religious matters was persistent in her questions about the relevance of temples and the traditional trappings of religion, and why His Holiness thinks people need to hear his message. He told her his listeners are all fellow human beings who want to be happy and that he regularly advises them, if they are interested, to think about what he says. If they find it useful, put it into effect; if they don’t, then forget it. Bettine Vriesekoop for Buddhist Broadcasting asked His Holiness about the renewal of interest in Buddhism in China. He told her that compared to Tibet, China is the senior student of Buddhism, that there is clear evidence of interest in Tibetan Buddhism among many Chinese in the context of a revived interest in Buddhism in general.
“Dharma Friends, spiritual brothers and sisters,” His Holiness responded, “I’m very happy to be here with you. Wherever I go I always talk about how all 7 billion human beings are the same. We all want to live a happy life. We need to remember that we all belong to one human family.”

He said there are two groups of religious traditions, those that have a concept of a creator, and those that like Buddhism do not. Buddhism also does not accept the existence of an independent self, a self apart from the body and mind. He mentioned that he likes, whenever possible to begin teachings with a recitation of the Mangala Sutta in Pali. Today, he invited members of a Zen group to recite the ‘Heart Sutra’ in Japanese.

The audience of over 11,000 people at the Ahoy Stadium listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teaching in Rotterdam, Holland on May 11, 2014. Photo/Jurjen Donkers
“The Buddhist approach to explaining reality is to use our intelligence to the full. Nagarjuna and other masters of Nalanda also employed reason. They followed the Buddha’s advice not to accept his teachings out of faith and devotion but to investigate and test them. During the three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma, the Buddha taught according to the capacity of the disciples he was teaching. To some he spoke about the psycho-physical aggregates as a load carried by the self, as if they were separate.”

His Holiness said that as sentient beings we all want happiness not suffering, so we need to know how suffering and happiness come about. He quoted Nagarjuna’s saying that suffering is a result of nothing other than our own actions. The Buddha said, ‘Suffering must be known, the origin must be overcome, liberation must be achieved and the path must be cultivated.’ The Buddhist concept of dependent origination expresses the law of causality that results depend on their causes. But, a cause also depends on the existence of the result. A cause is a cause because there is a result. This does not mean that a cause comes from a result, but that without a result it is not a cause. His Holiness compared this to explanations of material things in Quantum Physics.

Madhyamakas say that things do not exist objectively; they only exist by way of designation. We experience suffering because of ignorance, because of the gap between appearance and reality. His Holiness related this to what the American psychiatrist Aaron Beck told him, that when we are angry about something the object of our anger seems entirely negative and yet 90% of that is our own mental projection. This also corresponds to Nagarjuna’s explanation.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during his teaching in Rotterdam, Holland on May 11, 2014. Photo/Jeppe Schilder
“We have two goals,” His Holiness said, “higher rebirth and liberation. What binds us in cyclic existence is ignorance. Understanding selflessness is what leads us out of it. Virtue, the cause of higher rebirth, can be found in common with other spiritual traditions, but dependent origination is the king of reasonings that eliminates the ignorance that clings to intrinsic existence.”

He said that to attain enlightenment, we need an understanding of emptiness supported by the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the practice of the six perfections. To attain omniscience we need to overcome the obstacles to knowledge.

The three principal aspects of the path are renunciation or the determination to be free, bodhichitta or the altruistic aspiration for enlightenment and wisdom. To begin with we generate the determination to be free. Extending this aspiration to others is bodhichitta, but without understanding dependent origination, the determination to be free and bodhichitta will not be fulfilled. We need to realized that, existing in dependence on other factors, things do not exist the way they appear; they exist only as designations.

His Holiness said he would like to begin the afternoon session by taking questions from the audience. During the lunch break he gave an interview to respected journalist Floris van Straaten in which he talked about positive developments in China, including the attention paid to the needs of ordinary poor farmers and judicial reform in the recent 3rd plenum. He also mentioned Xi Jinping’s remark about Buddhists taking responsibility to revive Chinese culture, which he said was an unusual observation for a communist party leader to make. He said it is too early to say where it may lead, but he noted that Xi Jinping, like Hu Yaobang before him, seems to have adopted a more realistic approach.

Erica Terpstra and His Holiness the Dalai Lama enjoying a moment of laughter during his talk in Rotterdam, Holland on May 11, 2014. Photo/Jurjen Donkers
Erica Terpstra, who His Holiness has known a long time, introduced the afternoon session. She said it was a real pleasure to be here in his presence. She recalled an occasion when His Holiness was asked who he thought of as his spiritual peer and thinking for a moment he replied: “Everyone in the world.” She asked the audience to welcome ‘Our Holiness’.

His Holiness began as he usually does by acknowledging that all human beings are the same, mentally, physically and emotionally. All want a happy life. He said:

“If we could appreciate that all human beings are brothers and sisters belonging to the same human family, there’d be no room for conflict, no division between ‘us’ and ‘them’. There’d be no violence, no cheating or exploitation. People involved in education should think seriously about how to introduce such values into education. We are social animals, like bees who, without religion, laws or police, work together for their own survival.”

Answering questions from the audience, he suggested that in introducing Buddhism to children, if they belonged to a Buddhist family the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha could be explained to them. If not, it might be easier to talk about the mind and emotions. Asked how he relaxes he replied - sleep, going on to say that when he has time he reads and generally what he reads are the works of the Nalanda masters. Someone else wanted to know how His Holiness deals with mosquitoes and he said, to laughter from the audience, that his relationship with them is not very good. He added that he wonders what size of brain is needed to develop appreciation, because he sometimes allows a mosquito to drink his blood, but it flies off without showing any appreciation.

Audience members lined up to ask His Holiness the Dalai Lama questions during his talk at the Ahoy Stadium in Rotterdam, Holland on May 11, 2014. Photo/Jurjen Donkers
About euthanasia he said that like abortion it is generally better to avoid it, but that you would have to weigh the pros and cons of each case. Beginning his talk about secular ethics he said that all religious traditions teach about love, tolerance, forgiveness and self-discipline. However, in today’s world, in which at least 1 billion people have no interest in religion, there is a need for a system of ethics that has a universal appeal; a system of secular ethics beyond the limits of this or that religious tradition.

He said that the effects of climate change and the global economy extend beyond national boundaries. To deal with problems like corruption and the huge gap between rich and poor requires secular ethics. He mentioned that pilot projects are going on to design a curriculum to incorporate secular ethics into the education system. He does not expect to see the results of this work, but, if it is successful, those belonging to the 21st century generation may see a new way of thinking emerge that will result in this really becoming a century of peace.

His Holiness answered further questions from the audience, advising that peace of mind is the most important thing for those who are dying, and that what the Buddha taught is more important than works of art. He clarified that the teaching about there being no independent self does not mean there is no self at all, but that it is designated on the basis of the body and mind.

Regarding pro-Shugden demonstrators on the street outside, he said:

“They chant “Stop lying”, but I don’t know what they are referring to lying about. I have been very straightforward about this. “

A view of the stage at the Ahoy Stadium during His Holiness the Dalai Lama's talk  in Rotterdam, Holland on May 11,2014. Photo/Jurjen Donkers
Asked if it was true that he would be the last Dalai Lama he said that as early as 1969 he had made it clear that whether or not there would be another Dalai Lama would be up to the Tibetan people to decide.

Finally, to a question about climate change he pointed out that we have to be more alert. Whereas the sight of obvious violence makes us recoil, damage to the environment and climate change take place more stealthily. We are often not aware of it until it has already happened and it is difficult to restore.

The organizers thanked His Holiness profusely for coming to warm and extended applause from the audience and he left the stage. Tomorrow he will go to The Hague to meet parliamentarians and participate in a seminar on ‘The Heart of Education.

View the original article here

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Norwegian Parliament and Nobel Peace Centre

Oslo, Norway, 9 May 2014 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama was met on the steps of The Storting, the Norwegian Parliament building by Ketil Kjenseth, Liv Signe Navarsete and other Members of Norwegian Parliamentary Group for Tibet, who escorted him into the building. Ketil Kjenseth explained that he was dressed in the local costume of his constituency, Oppland, to mark the fact that it was the first place in Norway to welcome and accommodate Tibetan refugees. After Members of Parliament, including members of the governing coalition, representatives and youth representatives of all other political parties, had introduced themselves, His Holiness was invited to speak.

“Brothers and sisters, I am honoured that you are receiving me. I’m a great admirer of democracy. I often say that the world belongs to the whole of humanity; we are the owners. Each country belongs to the people who live there. When a government is chosen by the people it is accountable to those people. Since 2011 I have completely retired from political responsibility and I have retired the institution of Dalai Lamas from this responsibility too.”Regarding the environment, he said that a Chinese ecologist had estimated the significance of Tibet to be equivalent to that of the North and South Poles, so he had described Tibet as the Third Pole. Asia’s major rivers ultimately have their source in Tibet and 1 billion people depend on their waters. One Chinese Prime Minister acknowledged that the unprecedented flooding in China was a result of deforestation in Tibet.

“As everybody knows, I’m a Buddhist monk,” His Holiness concluded, “committed to promoting human values, inter-religious harmony and the preservation of Tibet’s Buddhist culture and natural environment.”

Ketil Kjenseth opened the meeting to questions from the floor and the first was about religious conflict. His Holiness replied that in most cases such conflict is political or economic rather than religious. He commented that while it is sufficient for an individual to think personally of one religion, one truth, in today’s world on a community level we have to respectfully acknowledge several religions and several truths.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to members of the Norwegian Parliamentary Group for Tibet at the Norwegian Parliament in Oslo, Norway on May 9, 2014.
Photo/Duy Anh Pham
Asked how Norway can support human rights most effectively, His Holiness said that smaller nations like Norway may be seen as less of a threat and so able to establish the trust necessary to engage in dialogue about this. Trust and respect are key factors. When a similar question was posed a few minutes later, His Holiness said:

“Like peace, progress on human rights will not come about just by making good wishes, it will require action. Once in Hiroshima when there were prayers for peace, I suggested that we have to make efforts to create peace. “

Another questioner began by expressing the hope that His Holiness had felt the warmth with which he is received in Norway. He said: “You’re always smiling, what’s the reason?”

“Peace is actually related to inner peace. Anger destroys our inner peace, while love, compassion and forgiveness are its source. Religious traditions like Christianity and Islam see other beings as creations of God. I met an Israeli teacher who advised his Palestinian students to see hostile security guards as in the image of God. They reported back to him that it was very effective. Sometimes we just pay lip service to our religious traditions, but if we follow a faith, we should do so sincerely. As for why I laugh and smile, that’s my secret! Actually, I work for about 8 hours a day and at night I get 8-9 hours sleep. Laughter is one of our unique human abilities. The human smile is an expression of love and affection.”

To a question about how he sees the future of an autonomous Tibet, His Holiness said that as early as 1974 he and his advisers had decided that they needed to talk to China and that they could not seek independence. Tibet was historically a separate country, but what is past is past. He expressed admiration for the European Union whose members are prepared to be part of a greater whole. He said Tibetans want the Chinese authorities to grant the rights and privileges to Tibetan areas already mentioned in the Chinese constitution. These include human rights and environmental issues, for example where mining is being undertaken contrary to the wishes of the local people. Also China tends to look down on Tibetan language and culture, which is a kind of human rights violation. He said he tells Chinese friends, ‘Look at India with its many different scripts and languages and no threat of separatism.’ Tibetans want religious freedom, the right to preserve their language and culture.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with members of the Norwegian Parliamentary Group for Tibet at the Norwegian Parliament in Oslo, Norway on May 9, 2014.
Photo/Duy Anh Pham
“Finally, there is the fact that in the past Tibet acted as a buffer state between China and India. China’s stationing of so many troops in Tibet alarms India. If the situation in Tibet were normalized these troop numbers could be reduced.”

When a questioner suggested that human rights violations in Tibet are among the worst anywhere, His Holiness replied that about 15 years ago a local Party Secretary told a Party meeting that the ultimate threat to separate Tibet from China lay in Tibetan Buddhist culture and sought to suppress it. Tibetans like Norwegians are proud of their culture and were offended. Installation of CCTV cameras in every corner of Lhasa and in temples has created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

“Meanwhile,” His Holiness said, “many friends say that Xi Jinping is more realistic in his thinking. He is boldly challenging corruption. Recently, on a visit to France, he praised Buddhism as having a special role to play in reviving and revitalizing Chinese culture. We’ll have to see. The totalitarian system has become osssified after nearly 70 years, but many Chinese intellectuals are raising their voices in the cause of freedom. The EU should express support for these people and for Xi Jinping. The world’s moral support will help.

“At present China spends more on internal security than on defence; no one else does this. Wen Jiabao said that China needs political reform, suggesting even US style democracy. He was laying out policies on which to build in order that China can play a constructive role in the world. Secrecy and censorship don’t attract trust and respect.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to members of the Norwegian Parliamentary Group for Tibet at the Norwegian Parliament in Oslo, Norway on May 9, 2014. Photo/JeremyRussell/OHHDLAsked again how Norway can contribute to ensuring human rights in Tibet, His Holiness recalled that Hu Yaobang went to Tibet to see for himself. He sent his own observers ahead to report back to him and rejected the concocted reports of local officials. It remains important for people to go to Tibet and to report what they find.

A question was raised about the self-immolations that have taken place in Tibet. His Holiness said that because it is a sensitive political matter and that hardliners distort whatever he says he prefers to keep quiet.

“When they began I told a BBC correspondent that such events were really very sad and questioned how effective they would be for the Tibet issue. Later, in Japan I stated that these events are symptoms of a cause which urgently needs to be investigated and addressed.”

Ketil Kjenseth concluded the meeting:

“Thank you for coming with your smile and positive values. It was a pleasure to have you here.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with group of high school students at the Nobel Peace Centre in Oslo, Norway on May 9, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
At the Nobel Peace Centre, His Holiness was welcomed by the director, Bente Erichsen, who showed him around. Among other things she showed him the Fred and Toca Loca children's display about Nobel Peace Prize winners that features him as one of the five best loved Nobel laureates. In a recorded conversation that will be played in schools, His Holiness spoke to a group of high school students about the value of affection and inner peace in creating a happier world. The Mayor of Oslo, Fabian Stang, took the opportunity to introduce himself to His Holiness.

Speaking to Tibetans and Tibet Supporters from Nordic countries he encouraged them, praising the value of Tibet’s Buddhist culture and expressing the hope that China continues to change. From there he went to the Folketeateret, where he was first presented with the Erik Bye Memorial Prize, commemorating the father of modern journalism in Norway. In his subsequent talk, His Holiness spoke about the need for ethics in our world, saying that the essence of ethics is love and respect for one another. These are fundamental values also expressed in all major religious traditions. He said that the distinction between non-violence and violence lies less in the nature of the action than in the motivation for it.

Tibetans and Tibet supporters from Nordic countries listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during their meeting in Oslo, Norway on May 9, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
When a Shugden supporter raised a question he explained that he had propitiated Shugden himself from 1951 until the early 1970s, when he realised there was something wrong with it. He stopped and eventually others came to know that. He said that since the 5th and 13th Dalai Lamas had opposed the practice he felt a duty to explain that to others. He went on to answer questions about the status of men and women in Buddhism and how to respond to the loss of loved ones.

At each event in Oslo, Tibetans and their friends and supporters turned out in large numbers to express their support for His Holiness and to wish him a long life. He in turn made a point of acknowledging and expressing his appreciation for their support.

Tomorrow, he travels to the Netherlands where he will hold meetings and give teachings.

View the original article here

His Holiness Expresses Sadness over Ferry Sinking in South Korea

Teaching Buddhism in the Morning, Secular Ethics in the Afternoon
May 12th 2014
Rotterdam, Holland, 11 May 2014 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s second day in Rotterdam began with rain beating against the windows. Before leaving for the Ahoy Stadium he gave three interviews: the first to Floris Harm van Luyn of NOS National News, who asked him about his meeting yesterday with the Dutch Foreign Minister.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Travels from Oslo to Rotterdam
May 11th 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Norwegian Parliament and Nobel Peace Centre
May 10th 2014

Mind Training & Taking Responsibility for Tomorrow’s World
May 9th 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in Oslo to Warm Public Welcome
May 8th 2014

View the original article here

Arrival in Riga, Latvia

Teaching Buddhism in the Morning, Secular Ethics in the Afternoon
May 12th 2014
Rotterdam, Holland, 11 May 2014 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s second day in Rotterdam began with rain beating against the windows. Before leaving for the Ahoy Stadium he gave three interviews: the first to Floris Harm van Luyn of NOS National News, who asked him about his meeting yesterday with the Dutch Foreign Minister.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Travels from Oslo to Rotterdam
May 11th 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits Norwegian Parliament and Nobel Peace Centre
May 10th 2014

Mind Training & Taking Responsibility for Tomorrow’s World
May 9th 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in Oslo to Warm Public Welcome
May 8th 2014

View the original article here

Second Day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Teachings in Riga, Latvia

Riga, Latvia, 6 May 2014 - Before setting out for the teaching venue this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama met the Press at his hotel. In a short introduction it was pointed out that this is his fourth visit to Latvia, distinguished by his giving Buddhist teachings attended by people from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Russia.

“I am very happy to be here,” His Holiness said. “Last year when I was here, besides requests from local people, an ordinary Russian told me it was difficult for people like him to come to India to listen to Buddhist teachings. I wondered if it might be easier for Russians to come to one of the Baltic States. I asked and was told it would be fine, so decided to come.”Asked his response to the Norwegian government’s announcement that no member would meet him, he said it was not unusual. However, the purpose of his visit was to promote his three commitments, to meet old friends and interact with the public. He added that wherever he goes, he has no wish to cause any trouble.

Regarding the violence that is occurring in several parts of the world, he said that many instances were the result of past negligence. He cautioned that use of weapons may appear decisive, but brings fear which does not favour a solution to problems. Where the 20th century was an era of violence, he stressed the importance of making the 21st century a century of dialogue and peaceful solutions to conflict. At a time when we need to exert special efforts to promote human values, to which women tend to be more sensitive, we need more women to take up leadership roles.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with members of the press during his visit to Riga, Latvia on May 6, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDLAsked about the ongoing disagreement between Russia and Ukraine, he said it was a political issue about which he did not feel fully informed. Whatever aim is adopted to defuse the crisis, the use of force will not help fulfil it. He pointed out that differences of language and culture are no grounds for conflict. He cited the example of the French and Flemish speakers of Belgium and the peoples of India who live amicably together in freedom and democracy under the rule of law.

Greeting the audience waiting for him at the Kipsala International Exhibition Centre, he asked for the ‘Heart Sutra’ to be recited in Russian. He quoted the Buddha’s saying:

“On my part I will show you the path, but you have to travel it,” adding the following verse:

“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).”
He spoke of suffering coming about because of unwholesome actions, doing harm to others. Therefore, we should avoid unwholesome action. He remarked that the Buddha described as changeable suffering what we usually think of as happiness. Although it arises from wholesome action, being changeable it is unsatisfactory. The cause of suffering is ignorance that is diametrically opposed to reality. Because ignorance is the opposite of knowledge, we need to understand what reality is. Ignorance is the first of the twelve links of dependent origination. It is ignorance of reality, of how things exist. We need to understand the gap between appearance and reality. Things appear to exist by themselves. They appear to exist independently, but they actually exist only by designation.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting the audience at the start of the second day of his two day teaching in Riga, Latvia on May 6, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
His Holiness pointed out different levels of ignorance: for example, ignorance about what he has in his bag is of a different order to ignorance about the status of phenomena. Because we see things as being objectively good, we develop attachment to them. When they appear to be negative, we develop anger and hatred. Ignorance underpins the distorted concepts that give rise to disturbing emotions. Under the sway of these, as the American psychiatrist Aaron Beck points out, our sense of attachment or anger is 90% our own mental projection. Madhyamakas say that while things appear to have objective existence, they are mere designations. They have no objective existence even in conventional terms.

His Holiness posed the example of the three times, past, present and future. The past has gone, the future is yet to come, but the present is hard to pin down. Like this, all phenomena are empty of intrinsic existence.

Extolling the Nalanda approach to study and investigation, His Holiness commended the four reliances as guidelines:

Rely on the teaching, not on the person;
Rely on the meaning, not on the words;
Rely on the definitive meaning, not on the provisional;
Rely on wisdom, not on your ordinary mind.

He said:

“I tell people that to be 21st century Buddhists we should follow the Buddha’s advice to use our intelligence to the full and transform our disturbing emotions. A great Tibetan Buddhist master in 13th century advised that even if you know you’re going to die tomorrow, it’s still worth studying today, because it can have an impact on the next life. In terms of study, Tibetan is the most precise language through which to study the Nalanda tradition. Scholars value Tibetan translations of Sanskrit texts because of the precision of their rendering. And there are increasing numbers of English translations from the Tibetan.

Some of the over 3500 people attending His Holiness the Dalai Lama's second day of his two day teachings in Riga, Latvia on May 6, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
“To overcome destructive emotions and obstacles to knowledge we need wisdom understanding emptiness supported by the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the six perfections.”

Concluding his explanation of the ‘Heart Sutra’, His Holiness related the mantra at the end to progress on the spiritual path, suggesting that ‘tayata gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha’ means ‘Like this: gone, gone, gone beyond, gone completely beyond, laying the foundation of complete enlightenment’. He clarified that the first set of syllables, gate gate / gone, gone indicate the paths of accumulation and preparation and the first experience of emptiness; paragate / gone beyond indicates the path of seeing, the first insight into emptiness and achievement of the first bodhisattva ground; parasamgate / gone completely beyond indicates the path of mediation, and the achievement of the subsequent bodhisattva grounds, while bodhi svaha indicates laying the foundation of complete enlightenment.

Answering questions once more, His Holiness expressed scepticism about astrology, recalling the 5th Dalai Lama’s remark in his autobiography that he was born on an auspicious day, but that many dogs were also born on the same day. On the other hand, His Holiness reported that his horoscope had predicted that in his 25th year, he would either die or leave the country, which was borne out by events. To a suggestion that karma indicated predetermination, he said no because until it comes into fruition, karma can still be changed. He pointed out that although he is booked to fly to Oslo tomorrow, until he is aboard the plane and taking off, an emergency or other circumstance could cause him to change his plans. He said that because karma is our own creation we can also change it.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with members of the Latvian Parliament during his visit to Riga, Latvia on May 6, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDLAfter lunch yesterday, His Holiness met a group of five Russian Members of Parliament. Today, he met seven Latvian Parliamentarians and two candidates for the European Parliament.

Returning to the stage he described the ‘37 Practices of Bodhisattvas’ as a text about how to meditate on a daily basis. He said that Thogmey Zangpo, the 13/14th century author was widely acknowledged in his lifetime as a bodhisattva. His practice of the awakening mind of bodhichitta was so effective that wherever he lived basked in an atmosphere of peace.

Because the topic is bodhichitta, the homage at the start of the text is to Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of all the Buddhas’ compassion. His Holiness read through the verses making comments here and there. He pointed out that the Buddha was not enlightened without cause, but through the creation of the necessary causes and conditions. Nagarjuna distinguished two goals, high status and definite goodness, or liberation, and commended the Three Higher Trainings in ethics, concentration and wisdom in their attainment.

His Holiness led the audience through the practice of the nine round breathing, which he said helps calm our inner energy and so calms the mind and makes it more amenable for meditation.

Mention of taking refuge in the Three Jewels, the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha prompted His Holiness to remark that in the Himalayan region are many spirits, ‘gyalpos’ to whom some people make offerings. However, if you go so far as to take refuge in them you lose your Buddhist refuge. He said he had relied on Shugden, which is such a spirit.

Estonian, Latvian, Russian and English interpreters working during the final day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teachings in Riga, Latvia on May 6, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
“My tutor Trijang Rinpoche and his teacher Phabongka Rinpoche, who also relied on Shugden, did not see him as a refuge, so they did not place him in the refuge tree. However, it is recorded in Phabongka’s biography that the 13th Dalai Lama took him to task over the way he relied on it, saying it was tantamount to defying his refuge in the Three Jewels.

“I did the practice until investigation and analysis indicated that it would be better to stop. Since then I have advised others to give it up too. If people choose to continue I have asked them not to take pledges and empowerments from me. The 5th Dalai Lama saw Shugden as arising from distorted prayers and as doing harm to beings and the Dharma.

“Nowadays, people who worship Shugden are angry with me. They are planning to demonstrate against me in Norway and elsewhere as they did earlier this year in the USA. I feel sorry for these people because they do not properly understand the nature of Shugden.

“The Buddhist refuge is in the Three Jewels.”

Reaching the verse that mentions the practice of exchanging self and others, His Holiness quoted Shantideva’s saying the without exchanging self and others there is no happiness. Subsequent verses deal with the six perfections and the final verse expresses a dedication of merit.

Amongst the final set of questions from the audience was one about what a mother can do for the lost child after experiencing a miscarriage. His Holiness first of all said that disposal of a dead body is not the important thing. He said that while karma belongs to the individual, there are special relations between parents and children, teachers and students and so on. Therefore, in such a case as this, a mother could do something virtuous and dedicate the merit to the child’s benefit. He said that when his mother passed away he recited mantras on her behalf and dedicated the merit to her.

A member of the audience asking His Holiness the Dalai Lama a question during the final day of teachings in Riga, Latvia on May 6, 2014. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
Another questioner asked what a Buddhist should do if his country is invaded by an aggressor. His Holiness told him that he would have to judge what would provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people. It would depend on the circumstances. He mentioned the Jataka tale that recounts how the bodhisattva, in a life prior to becoming the Buddha, was the captain of a ship. He decided to take the life of a man who was intent on killing the 499 other people on board. In so doing he saved their lives, but also prevented that man creating very grave negative karma.

Asked how to practise in non-sectarian way His Holiness pointed out that all Tibetan Buddhist traditions have their roots in the Nalanda tradition. He said that Gelugpas have a good approach to study, but that in his own experience the Dzogchen of the Nyingmas can be very helpful in understanding aspects of Guhyasamaja, while Guhyasamaja can also be useful in understanding Dzogchen. He joked that this was the point rather than adopting different coloured and different shaped hats.

Finally, a woman from Buryatia asked if His Holiness would be coming to Mongolia this year. He told her that the proposed Kalachakra Empowerment had been postponed, but that there was still a plan to come for a meeting of scientists. He mentioned that people had expressed appreciation of the kind of discussions they had had over the last two days and had asked him to do the same next year. Latvian MPs had also shown their appreciation, so he has agreed in principle.

Telo Rinpoche offered thanks to everyone who had made the event possible, supporters, organizers, volunteers and most of all His Holiness. He requested a reading of a detailed statement of accounts. To bring the event to a conclusion, Russian singer Boris Grebenshchikov played a gentle song. And with that His Holiness left the hall on a great wave of affection.

Tomorrow he flies to Oslo, Norway to attend a meeting of the Nobel Roundtable.

View the original article here

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Travels from Oslo to Rotterdam

Rotterdam, Holland, 10 May 2014 - The streets of Oslo were quiet and sun shone as His Holiness the Dalai Lama left to drive to the airport to fly to Rotterdam. In contrast, the weather in Rotterdam when he arrived was cold and wet. However, his Tibetan and Dutch hosts were warm in their welcome and accompanied him to a short meeting with the media.

His Holiness told the assembled journalists how happy he was to be in Holland again, the land of fine people and beautiful tulips. He gave a summary account of his three commitments, telling them of his efforts to promote human values based on love and affection, his interest in fostering inter-religious harmony and in preserving Tibet’s culture of peace and compassion, as well as the delicate environment of the Roof of the World “We’re Buddhists and the Buddha advised us not to take refuge in ordinary deities and spirits. This is a basic Buddhist principle. The Shugden followers as good as take refuge in that spirit. The spirit arose in the 17th century at the time of the 5th Dalai Lama. He wrote that it was a harmful, evil spirit. One of its harmful aspects is a strident sectarianism, whereas I am committed to an inclusive non-sectarianism. Because of this spirit, people have destroyed the images and scriptures of other traditions, particularly the Nyingmapas.

“I started to propitiate it out of ignorance in 1951 and did so until 1970 when I realised there were complications with it which prompted me to investigate it. I have 20 teachers from various traditions and all but one opposed this practice. After I stopped doing it in the early 70s people gradually got to know about it and I explained why.

“Normally we would expect the spirit to be protecting people, but in this case there are people trying to protect the spirit. They shout: “Stop lying,” but I don’t know what they think anyone is lying about. It’s my duty to let people know about this. The demonstrators say I’ve banned this practice, but that’s not so, I haven’t and the monasteries associated with Shugden in South India are evidence of this.”

After lunch in Rotterdam, His Holiness visited the Wereldmuseum where he was requested to consecrate the remarkable collection of Tibetan artefacts set up as a chapel by the Bodhimanda Foundation established by the Verhoeven family. His Holiness advised that it would be more appropriate to set an image of the Buddha in the predominant position, because Buddhists take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. No matter how important a Dalai Lama may have been he was still only a member of the Sangha. In response to a request, His Holiness named the chapel Chökhorling.

In the church of Laurenskerk, His Holiness addressed about 2000 Tibetans who live in the Nordic countries. Looking out over a sea of Tibetan faces, he began:

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to members of the Tibetan community living in Nordic countries at the church of Laurenskerk in Rotterdam, Holland on May 10, 2014. Photo/Jeppe Schilder
“Those of us from the Roof of the World, who have a close relationship with Avalokiteshvara, have been going through difficult times. You’ve come from all over Europe to see me and I greet you all. We’ve all faced ups and downs. Since I was 25 until now when I’m nearly 79, I’ve lived as a refugee. But there is something about us Tibetans that the greater the difficulties we face, the tougher is our determination. The spirit of the people in Tibet is very strong; their courage is amazing. And they remain non-violent. We retain a strong dedication to our religion and culture and because of aspirations we have made in the past, we have not let our heritage down. After 60 years the issue of Tibet is still alive. Awareness of Tibet is still growing.”

He said that according to a survey conducted in China about four years ago, there were 300 million Buddhists in China, most of them educated people. His Holiness has met about 10,000 Chinese intellectuals and learned of their interest in Tibetan Buddhism. In Japan too, there is growing interest in Tibetan Buddhism. One Japanese Abbot told him that although recitation of the ‘Heart Sutra’ is widespread in Japan, few people understand what it means and they value the explanation provided by the Tibetan tradition.

His Holiness remarked that modern science has much to teach Tibetans, but modern scientists are also showing interest in the knowledge of mind and emotions Tibetan Buddhism preserves from the Indian tradition.

“If we had remained in Tibet, we would not have learned what we have learned, nor would we have had the same opportunities to share with others what we know.”

He commented that more and more ordinary people are studying and even in monasteries previously dedicated to performing rituals, study programmes have begun. As well as in Gelug institutions, amongst Sakyapas and Nyingmapas there is a growing dedication to studying Buddhism’s classic philosophical texts and this is in turn influencing the monasteries in Tibet. Nuns too have been given opportunities and encouragement to study and some among them are now in the process of taking exams for a Geshe-ma degree.

More than 2000 members of the Tibetan community living in Nordic countries listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the church of Laurenskerk in Rotterdam, Holland on May 10, 2014. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL
“When I visited the Bandhara settlement in Madya Pradesh students from the Tibetan school gave a demonstration of their debating skills. Their teacher was a nun who came from Tibet in1990 and had trained and studied hard at Dolma Ling Nunnery. Now she is teaching others and I praised her achievements. In Ladakh and other parts of the Himalayan region lay people are setting up study groups.”

Looking back over the development of Tibetan education, His Holiness said that he and others arrived in India in April 1959 and by March 1960 the first schools had begun. They asked Prime Minister Nehru for help in setting up these schools and took his advice to make English the medium of instruction. He mentioned a Tibetan he had just met in Norway who was born in Tibet but has gone on to University and is about to complete his PhD. He commended such expertise as something for other Tibetans to aim for.

Expressing surprise at hearing that some Tibetan families in the West speak only English at home, His Holiness mentioned the Tibetan Muslims he met recently in Srinagar, Kashmir, whose children speak beautiful Tibetan. There is no Tibetan instruction in their school but their parents and grandparents have taught them.

Translations from Sanskrit of texts concerning Buddhist logic and epistemology are now only available in Tibetan. It is training in these skills that has allowed Tibetans to engage so readily in the study of modern science.

“Last year in New York,” His Holiness recalled, “I met a group of Chinese writers, two of whom had come from Beijing. They told me that as far as ethics is concerned China is currently at the lowest point in its 5000 year history. They said the only hope for redressing this is in Buddhism. Xi Jinping also recently remarked in Paris that Buddhism has an important role to play in the revival and reinvigoration of Chinese culture.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to members of the Tibetan community living in Nordic countries at the church of Laurenskerk in Rotterdam, Holland on May 10, 2014. Photo/Jurjen DonkersHis Holiness went on to tell the story of a Tibetan and his wife who work in a kitchen in the USA cleaning vegetables. They used to save the caterpillars, worms and other bugs, put them in a jar and later take them outside. Their curious colleagues asked what they were doing and they explained that there was no need to kill these creatures, which also had a right to life. In due course they noticed their colleagues following their example, an instance of Tibetans exercising positive influence on others.

His Holiness also mentioned that some years ago, supporters of the practice of Shugden had staged demonstrations against him, following him wherever he went. Later, some Chinese did this too for a while. The Shugden followers have resumed their demonstrations. They call on the Dalai Lama to stop lying, but, he said, they are the ones who are not telling the truth.

“When one of them raised a question during my public talk, I told him that this is not a new issue. It began at the time of the 5th Dalai Lama. Shugden is said to be a manifestation of Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen, but the 5th Dalai Lama wrote that he had arisen as a result of distorted prayers as a perfidious spirit. He said as much to a Sakya master from whom he sought help.

“Ling Rinpoche objected to the practice, but Trijang Rinpoche propitiated Shugden. I did so too until 1970 when I began to have doubts about it. I did research into it as a result of which I stopped. When Ganden Jangtse Monastery faced a series of unusual obstacles they consulted Trijang Rinpoche, who told them it was because of the displeasure of the protectors. They asked me how this could be and I investigated and established that the problems related to Shugden. I told the Abbot of Namgyal Monastery who came from Jangtse.

“Shugden supporters set up their own group.

“The 13th Dalai Lama told Phabongka Rinpoche that propitiating Shugden too eagerly risked breaching the precepts for taking refuge in the Three Jewels. This is recorded in Phabongka’s biography. I feel I too have a responsibility to inform people about this, but whether they pay heed is up to them. I’ve never said I banned the practice; I have said it isn’t helpful.

“That’s it. I’m well; be happy.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp, Assistant Bishop of Utrecht Monseigneur Herman Woorts, Foreign Minister of The Netherlands Frans Timmermans, and representitive of the Protestant Church in The Netherlands Karin van den Broeke meeting at the church of Jacobuskerk in The Hague, Holland on May 10, 2014. Photo/Jurjen DonkersAt the conclusion of His Holiness’s talk, Tsering Jhampa and Tseyang Lhazom presented him with a medal to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Following his meeting with Tibetans, under the auspices of Monseigneur Woorts assistant Bishop of Utrecht, in the company of his old friend Rabbi Soetendorp and others, His Holiness had the opportunity to meet Frans Timmermans, Foreign Minister of The Netherlands and they held a friendly discussion.

Tomorrow, His Holiness will be teaching the ‘Three Principles of the Path’ in the morning and giving a talk about secular ethics in the afternoon.

View the original article here