His Holiness the Dalai Lama explaining the text Nagarjuna “Commentary on the Awakening Mind” on the second day of the teaching in Manali. Photo/OHHDL
Kullu, Manali: His Holiness the Dalai Lama began day two teaching of Nagarjuna’s “Commentary on the Awakening Mind” at Manali. His Holiness called Nagarjuna the second Buddha. His Holiness further remarked that the evidence of master Nagarjuna’s scholarship of Buddhism is very much visible from his writing. His Holiness recalled some of the texts that Master Nagarjuna and other scholars have written on Tantra.
With regard to the spread of Buddhism in Tibet, His Holiness spoke about the two phases of Buddhism in Tibet, the earlier phase and the later phase. The earlier phase referring to the spread of Nyingma tradition and the later being Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo’s time, the great Tibetan translator. His Holiness further spoke about the tantra in the old school and new school.
His Holiness further spoke about the similarity of Nyingma and Kagyu teaching relating to second and third turning of the wheel of Dharma.
“Nalanda tradition which is followed by the Tibetan Buddhism not only resort to the scriptural authority but use logical reasoning mainly to demonstrate the teaching of the Buddha.” said His Holiness
His Holiness began reading the verses of the commentary on the awakening mind by Master Nagarjuna.
Reading along with the verses His Holiness explained on the ultimate and conventional Bodhichitta, different school of thoughts, Buddhist Philosophy, and emptiness.
His Holiness read the verses in praise of Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Buddhapalita, Bhavaviveka, Chandrakirti, Shantideva, Shantarakshita and Kamalashila and all the other masters. His Holiness remarked on each of the master’s specialisations in different fields of Buddhism. His Holiness praised and prayed for the 17 Nalanda Masters. His Holiness continued to read the verses while applauding the masters of the vast lineage.
His Holiness further explained the meaning of emptiness which is dependently originated. He explained that when we say things are empty, it does not mean that the things can not be found. His Holiness noted that the things are dependently originated and so things have no objective independent existence. So the word dependent origination is able to dispel both the extremes of nihilism and eternalism.
His Holiness advised not to be just satisfied with rituals and prayers but to try and understand Buddha’s teaching based on insight into the two truths, ultimate and conventional and further understand the four noble truth.
His Holiness concluded his teaching by announcing two days break, tomorrow being Independence Day of India, a National holiday and a day off after that. His Holiness will resume the teaching on Saturday 17 August 2019.
His Holiness will be giving the initiation of great compassion deity Avalokiteshvara.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting the devotees gathered on the teaching ground on the second day of the teaching in Manali. Photo/OHHDL
Devotees listening to the teaching of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the commentary on awakening mind by master Nagarjuna. Photo/OHHDL
Devotees keeping themselves safe from the rain and listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
source — cta
