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Sikyong Penpa Tsering Greets Tibetans on Losar, Tibetan New Year 2151

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Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the 16th Kashag, Central Tibetan Administration, greets Tibetan on Losar 2051.

By  — BT NEWSDESK

Dharamshala: On the occasion of the traditional Tibetan New Year, Losar 2151—the year of the Wood-Dragon—Sikyong Penpa Tsering extends Losar greetings on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administrations to Tibetans around the world.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s message for Losar:

Today, on the occasion of the 2151st Tibetan Lunar New Year, a year of male Wood-dragon, I, on behalf of the 16th Kashag, would like to wholeheartedly express “Tashi Delek” to all the Tibetans around the world. Sixty-four years have passed since we came into exile and 74 years since China started invading our nation. There have been tremendous changes over the course of these years inside Tibet, and in light of China’s sinicisation policies aimed at eradicating Tibetan identity, we are now unprecedentedly positioned to confront the circumstances and fight to preserve our distinct linguistic and religious heritages.

Similarly, there were changes in situations in the exile community, including a hike in Tibetans moving abroad and a dwindling population across Tibetan settlements. Nevertheless, opportunities also come along with such challenges.

Firstly, those of you who are in Tibet are already undergoing great difficulties. Many are risking their lives to fight hard for the preservation of Tibetan identity, even if the policies of the Chinese government prevent them from doing so. The Tibetan struggle for freedom has endured in the world to this day primarily because of the benevolence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and, most importantly, because of the unyielding courage of Tibetans in Tibet.

Thus, as we celebrate this Losar, it is imperative to make a firm determination that we will not, under any circumstances, give up on maintaining our unique identity. Here in exile, we do our best to fulfil this obligation, particularly in our capacity as a representative of the community.

At the same time, through this greeting message, I also want to beseech Tibetans in exile to double down efforts to preserve Tibetan identity and continue working for our endeavour to resolve the Tibet-China conflict through non-violence and peaceful negotiation. Despite the geo-strategic significance of the Tibetan plateau, Tibet’s environmental change will also have grave repercussions on all regions of neighbouring countries and the world’s climate in general. For that matter, the sustenance of our nonviolent struggle based on the principles of Buddhist teachings is of utmost importance, as His Holiness the Dalai Lama advises time and again. Violence merely fuels further acts of violence, and therefore, if we can demonstrate a nonviolent approach, it will be durable.

For those in Tibet who are concerned about His Holiness, it is important to know that He is in excellent health, as is evident during His recent trips to Gangtok, Salugara and Bodhgaya. His Holiness Himself has repeatedly assured His longevity. However, it is crucial to understand that whether the spiritual guru lives long or not depends on the conduct of his/her disciples and the realisation of their vows and commitments. Therefore, it is imperative to comprehend the intentions of the guru, and more importantly, it’s much more crucial to put them into practice.

Again, I want to take this opportunity to send my best wishes to all Tibetans, both inside and outside Tibet, and to all Tibet supporters and celebrants of this Losar.

Thank you.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering Talks on ‘Law, Ethics and Morality’ in Latvia

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By   — BT NEWSDESK

Sikyong Penpa Tsering, accompanied by Representative Sonam Frasi, reached Riga, Latvia, on Sunday afternoon, 28 January 2024, following some more media engagements and meeting with an Estonian Think Tank during the weekend. Janis Skuja, chair of TSG in Latvia, warmly received the Tibetan delegation at the airport.

Sikyong participates in a public dialogue on ‘Law, Ethics and Morality’ at Splendid Palace.

On Sunday evening, Honourable Sikyong participated in a public dialogue on ‘Law, Ethics and Morality’ hosted by the well-known actor Artur Smolyaninov, a Russian dissident in Latvia, at the Splendid Palace. The audience showed great interest and asked interesting questions, including a few from young children, covering a range of issues about belongingness; heritage; culture and language preservation; Latvians’ support for Tibet; Tibet at United Nations; trappings of power, altruism and responsibility; Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan diaspora etc. The day ended late with another interview with a Latvian media after the public talk.

Sikyong participates in a public dialogue on ‘Law, Ethics and Morality’ at the Splendid Palace.

Today, Sikyong is meeting the members of media and engage in meetings followed by a Tibetan film screening and Q&A session at the Riga City Council.

Sikyong with the host and actor Artur Smolyaninov at the Splendid Palace.

Filed by Office of Tibet, London

12th Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace Declares His Holiness the Dalai Lama “Universal Supreme Leader of the Buddhist World”

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Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar and Minister of Earth Sciences of India, KirenRijiju with the ABCP President, the Most Venerable Khambo Lama of Gandan, Gabji Demberel Choijamts.

By  — BT NEWSDESK

Dharamshala: The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP), which was held in New Delhi on 17 and 18 January 2024, unanimously declared His Holiness the Dalai Lama to be a “Universal Supreme Leader of the Buddhist World” in recognition of His lifelong contributions in bringing closer the Buddhist communities and strengthening a sense of oneness of humanity.

The two-day conference themed “The Buddhist Voice of the Global South” also proclaimed 6 July, the day of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s birthday, as the “Universal Day of Compassion,” honouring the core teachings of Lord Buddha and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to build a harmonious and peaceful world. The conference further acknowledged in its resolution the importance of the continuation of Gaden Phodrang Institution and rejected any interference from governments or individuals in the recognition of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s reincarnation.

Prominent world leaders from various countries have written messages for the inaugural ceremony of the 12th General Assembly of ABCP, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama Himself. In His letter, His Holiness expressed appreciation to ABCP for taking initiatives to “create greater awareness of the need to promote peace in Asia and the wider world, as well as efforts it has made to strengthen Buddhist culture and values.”

“In the world today, it is very clear that our tendency to see other people in terms of ‘we’ and ‘them’ sadly leads to divisions that give rise to conflicts.” The letter continues, “This occurs because we fail to appreciate the oneness of humanity. However, when we recognise that we are all the same human beings, we can learn to live in harmony and friendship and help one another.” His Holiness’ message for the conference also touches on reducing the threats posed by poverty and environmental degradations, stating it will help not just the people “who are alive today, but even generations yet to come.”

In addition, the conference’s opening ceremony was also addressed in person by the honourable Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Minister of Earth Sciences of India, Shri Kiren Rijiju. It was attended by representatives from India, Mongolia, Russia, South Korea, Laos, Bangladesh, Japan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Secretary Chime Tseyang from the Department of Religion and Culture participated in the ABCP’s conference as a representative of the Central Tibetan Administration.

On the second day of the conference, after the delegates had read their reports, the Secretary of ABCP Indian National Centre, Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo, read out the resolution adopted by the conference.

Filed by the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message on the occasion.

Read the full statement below.

  DOWNLOAD (size: 92KB)

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Returns to Dharamshala from Bodh Gaya

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Returns to Dharamshala from Bodh Gaya, 22 January 2024. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

By  — BT NEWSDESK

Dharamshala: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama safely returns to Dharamshala this morning to a rousing welcome reception from a throng of local Tibetans, devotees and well-wishers following a month-long sojourn in Bodhgaya.

Upon deplaning at the Gaggal Airport, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement Officer Kunchok Migmar, and other representatives from various Tibetan NGOs based in Dharamshala. Meanwhile, hundreds of Tibetans and local people lined the streets from the airport to His Holiness’ residence, holding ceremonial white scarves and incense to receive the Tibetan spiritual leader.

During His stay in Bodhgaya, His Holiness the Dalai Lama conferred a series of teachings, empowerments, and initiations to the massive congregation of devotees and followers consisting of monks/nuns and lay people from various communities, including Tibetans, Himalayans, local people, and foreigners.

Prior to that, His Holiness the Dalai Lama conferred teaching on “Thirty-seven practices of Bodhisattvas” in Gangtok at a request from the Government of Sikkim, followed by general teaching at Salugara-based Sed-Gyued monastery in West Bengal.

At the welcome reception of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Kangra airport in Dharamsala on 22 January 2024. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

At the welcome reception of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Kangra airport in Dharamshala on 22 January 2024. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

At the welcome reception of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Kangra airport in Dharamsala on 22 January 2024. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

At the welcome reception of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Kangra airport in Dharamsala on 22 January 2024. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

At the welcome reception of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Kangra airport in Dharamsala on 22 January 2024. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

At the welcome reception of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Kangra airport in Dharamsala on 22 January 2024. Photo / Tenzin Jigme Taydeh / CTA

 

Tibetan Association of Vermont Organises 19th Annual Tibet Festival

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Tibetan Association of Vermont Organises 19th Annual Tibet Festival.

By  — BT NEWSDESK

Washington DC: To promote awareness about the Tibetan freedom struggle, the Tibetan Association of Vermont recently hosted its 19th annual Tibet festival.

According to President Tsering Yangski, the primary goal of this yearly event is to highlight the unique Tibetan identity, emphasising the rich Tibetan religion and culture. Additionally, the festival aims to shed light on the current challenging situation in Tibet by distributing informative materials.

The festival featured various activities showcasing the diverse Tibetan performing arts and included the distribution of English-language documents about Tibet, facilitated by the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT). As part of the event coverage, President Tsering Yangski was interviewed by the local TV station, WCAX-TV.

Originally established by the Vermont Tibetan Association several years ago, the annual Tibet festival has evolved into a regular program. Beyond raising awareness for the Tibetan cause, the event also serves as a fundraising platform for the Tibetan Association. The successful fundraising is a collaborative effort involving the local community and members of the Tibetan Association.

Filed by the Office of Tibet,Washington DC

Food stalls at the annual Tibet festival.

A lively performance of traditional Tibetan dance.

Showcasing Tibetan performing arts.

Showcasing Tibetan performing arts.

Tibetan gorshey or circle dance by the local residents and attendees.

Chinese FM warns Taiwan against independence after election

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a press meeting in Cairo, Egypt on January 15, 2024 (Photo/Screengrab)

By Tenzin Nyidon

DHARAMSHALA –  Days after Taiwan elected a pro-sovereign President who vowed to defend it against foreign influences, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, issued a stern warning during a press meeting in Cairo, Egypt. He warned that any attempts by Taiwan to pursue independence would be met with severe consequences, stating that such moves would be “harshly punished.”

Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks to questions about China’s views on cross-Straits relations and the situation in Taiwan following the leadership election.

“Taiwan’s election is a regional affair within China. No matter what the results of the election are, they cannot change the basic fact that there is only one China and Taiwan is a part of it. Taiwan has never been a country. It wasn’t in the past, and it certainly won’t be in the future. If anyone on the island of Taiwan thinks of going for independence, they will be trying to split Chinese territory, and will certainly be harshly punished by both history and the law,” he remarked.

Following the presidential election, Beijing strongly criticised and accused countries including the US, UK and others of “interfering in China’s internal affairs” after they extended congratulations to President-elect Lai Ching-te. The Democratic Progressive Party’s win in Taiwan’s presidential election has been perceived as a setback for Beijing, as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is known for its pro-sovereignty stance.

On Sunday, Beijing accused U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken of “sending a gravely wrong signal” after he extended his best wishes to president-elect Lai Ching-te. He commented on the democratic process, stating, ”We congratulate Dr Lai Ching-te on his victory in Taiwan’s presidential election. We also congratulate the Taiwan people for participating in free and fair elections and demonstrating the strength of their democratic system.”

In response to the congratulatory message from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te, China has issued a strong statement, urging the US to cease official interactions with Taiwan and refrain from sending what it perceives as a “wrong signal” to separatist forces advocating for ‘Taiwan independence.’

Among many international leaders congratulating President-elect te was the exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama who expressed his admiration for the Taiwanese people’s determination to uphold democratic values. He wrote, “Indeed, observing the exercise of democracy, as has just taken place in Taiwan, is a source of encouragement for all of us who aspire to live in freedom and dignity.”

The President-elect Lai Ching-te, known for his pro-sovereignty views, has vowed to defend Taiwan against what he perceived as Chinese “intimidation.” In addition, Lai emphasised the island’s autonomy, aligning with the party’s commitment to preserving Taiwan as a distinct entity from mainland China.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Congratulates President-elect Lai Ching-te of Taiwan

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Congratulates President-elect Lai Ching-te of Taiwan.

By  — BT NEWSDESK

Bodhgaya, Bihar, India – Following yesterday’s presidential elections in Taiwan, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Mr. Lai Ching-te, the President-Elect, to offer his warm congratulations

“Indeed,” he wrote, “observing the exercise of democracy, as has just taken place in Taiwan, is a source of encouragement for all of us who aspire to live in freedom and dignity.

“I have fond memories of the hospitality the people of Taiwan showed me during my visits there, when I was also able to see how firmly rooted democracy has become. The Taiwanese people have not only developed a flourishing, robust democracy, but have also achieved a great deal in terms of economics and education, while at the same time preserving their rich traditional culture.

“I admire the strong devotion Taiwanese Buddhists have to the Buddha dharma. As a Buddhist monk, I try my best to fulfill their requests for teachings and spiritual guidance from time to time.

“Good relations between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China are of utmost importance. It is my longstanding conviction that engaging in dialogue is the best way to resolve difficult issues, whether on a local, national or international level.”

His Holiness concluded by wishing Mr. Lai every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Taiwan.

Sourced from dalailama.com

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Congratulates the Prime Minister-Elect of Bhutan

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Congratulates the Prime Minister-Elect of Bhutan.

By  — Shyamal Sinha

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister-Elect, to offer him a warm Tashi Delek.

“As Tibetans,” he wrote, “we share a historic relationship with the Bhutanese people, and as someone strongly committed to democratic values, I have followed your country’s commendable development in democratic governance, under the farsighted leadership of the Druk Gyalpo, over the past several years.

“Bhutan today is developing along modern lines, while preserving its traditional religion and culture. I am sure under your tenure, you will see that it continues to be strengthened. Our two peoples have a distinct form of Buddhism in common. Our religious tradition is not merely based on faith, but can also be of practical benefit to humanity at large.

“Our Kagyur and Tengyur, which are collections of the translated words of the Buddha and treatises by subsequent Indian masters, contain a wealth of knowledge about the workings of the mind and emotions that can be critically relevant to bringing about a more peaceful world.”

His Holiness’s letter ended: “May I wish you every success in your endeavours for the welfare of your country and people.”

 

Mahakaruna Diwas 2024 celebrated in Delhi

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By  — Shyamal Sinha

The Sanskrit word “mahakaruna” means great (maha) compassion (karuna). Karuṇā is often linked with other virtues such as “Maitri” (loving-kindness) and “Ahimsa” (non-violence).

The Mahakaruna Diwas 2024 was jointly organized by Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh, Mahakaruna Foundation, Delhi and Adhyatm Sadhna Kendra, Delhi in the beautiful auditorium of Adhyatm Sadhna Kendra, Chhattarpur, New Delhi on the 7th of January 2024.on this auspicious day Guruji birthday also celebrated in a big way.

Venerable Sanghasena realized that the main root cause of poverty and social unrest was illiteracy. He knew that when people were given proper holistic education, the cycle of poverty and social evils could be broken. With this in mind, he started the first residential school for underprivileged children who came from the far flung corners of Ladakh. From this initial project, other desperately needed humanitarian services were identified and added to the Devachan campus which now houses a home for the aged, visually impaired, a monastery, a nunnery, a meditation and yoga centre and so on.

This auspicious occasion was graced by many spiritual luminaries from all the major religions of the world; Buddhism Shartse Khensur Ripoche Secretary General IBC , Jainism, Hinduism Pt. Sushil Maharaj ji , Sikhism and Christianity, ambassadors from Myanmar, Bhutan delivered nice spiritual talk  and educationist like Dr. Priya Ranjan Trivedi, Dr. Sandeep Marwah,Alok jain ,K.C.Jain IRS ,Kiran Bedi Ex-IPS  and peace activists and advocators of the power of Mahakaruna-great compassion. The beautiful auditorium was packed by over  hundreds peace loving people including large numbers of Buddhist monks and nuns from various Buddhist countries; Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and India had come and participated in this great event.
The speakers have conveyed strong messages of peace, compassion as great means to address the ongoing unprecedented violence and wars. All the guests applauded the great initiative of Bhikkhu Sanghasena; Mahakaruna campaign dedicated to world peace and unanimously agreed to support vision and mission of Bhikkhu ji to world peace. All the dignitaries have signed the 30 point Mahakaruna Diwas 2024 Delhi declaration.
The Mahakaruna 2024 Awards were conferred to more than 30 distinguished peace activists, educationists and advocators of Mahakaruna. VBS Young Embodiment of Compassion in education Awards 2024 were conferred to the students from various schools from Delhi. It was followed by a beautiful 600 hundred pages book on “Mahakaruna: A holistic moment for Global peace through compassion in action” authored by Bhikkhu Sanghasena and Dr. P.R. Trivedi, published by Mahakaruna Foundation New Delhi in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Universities New Delhi was launched on this historic occasion.
Earlier, a short documentary film on the Mahakaruna movement by Mahakaruna Foundation was screened.
All the speakers meticulously highlighted the relevance and importance of the core value of Compassion in an otherwise chaotic world today. Another beautiful book vegetarianism in Hindi.
Phunsok Ladakhi renowned artist and singer and the students of Mahabodhi Residential School and from Ladakh students’ Welfare Society, Delhi have presented series of heart touching songs on Ahimsa and Karuna.

He has also made the meditation techniques of the Buddha available to the common people of Ladakh through donation-based intensive Vipassana retreats.

Compassion in action and meditation in action are the guiding principles of his work.

MIMC is indeed a great example of one man’s vision turning into reality. His great vision of love and compassion for the underprivileged people of Ladakh has been materialized in the very formation of MIMC.

Another milestone of guruji got Myanmar highest civilian award declared by ambassador of Myanmar on the dais.

The celebration of Mahakaruna Diwas 2024 which filled with  joy,  peace, love and compassion concluded in a cosy atmosphere .

 

“Through Study, Reflection & Meditation, You Can Integrate What You’ve Learned With Your Minds”, His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Gelukpa University Convocation

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Geshé Tulku Tenzin Sherab delivering his opening remarks at the Gelukpa University Convocation and the Award of Geshé Lharampa Degrees at the Kalachakra Ground in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India on January 3, 2024. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

By  —  BT NEWSDESK

Bodhgaya, Bihar, India, 3 January 2024: This morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was invited to preside over the Gelukpa University Convocation and the award of Geshé Lharampa degrees to Geshés who had graduated over the last four years. He was met at the gate to the Kalachakra Ground by abbots of the great monastic seats of learning in south India—Ganden, Drepung and Sera—who escorted him to the stage. His Holiness sat in the middle with Ganden Tri Rinpoché to his right and Jangtsé Chöjé Rinpoché to his left.

Proceedings opened with a verse of homage to the Buddha:

I pay homage to the Chief of Shakya clan,
Who took birth in the Shakya lineage out of compassion and skilful means,
Who was invincible and defeated the forces of evil beings
And whose body was like a majestic golden mountain.

Moderator for the occasion, Geshé Tulku Tenzin Sherab, welcomed His Holiness, as well as other guests and dignitaries, to the stage. He explained that after the onslaught in 1959 that destroyed much of the Buddhist tradition in Tibet, many Tibetans we able to reach India due to the blessings of His Holiness. Monastics congregated in a camp in Buxaduar, where, under the guidance of His Holiness and his two tutors, a Geshé Lharam examination board was set up. Meanwhile, monks belonging to the three great Monastic Universities kept their traditions of study alive. The moderator declared that the kindness of His Holiness in leading and inspiring all this cannot be repaid.

In 1970, a Gelukpa Examination Board was established, comprising abbots and examination officers, who laid out procedures and rules. Since then, more than 1000 Geshés have graduated. Many of them are serving the Dharma in different parts of the world.

Ganden Tri Rinpoché was invited to speak: “The custodian of the Buddhadharma, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is with us here today, as we gather to celebrate the Gelukpa University Convocation and the ceremony for awarding degrees. Those graduating today have studied thoroughly, exercised logic and debate and appeared for their exams. As a result, they will receive their Lharampa degrees. As Jé Rinpoché has advised, we must study, reflect and integrate what we’ve learned within.

“Once you have earned your Geshé degree, it’s customary to enter either Gyudmé or Gyudtö Tantric College to study the four interwoven commentaries of Guhyasamaja. This is a tradition that has been passed down without a break from the time of Jé Rinpoché. There are other texts to be memorized by newly graduated Geshés, but what is particularly important is to be able to pass on the reading transmission of the Guhyasamaja commentary. I urge you all to put effort into this. As Serkhong Tsenshab Rinpoché used to say, it is essential to keep this tradition alive.

Ganden Tri Rinpoché speaking at the Gelukpa University Convocation and the Award of Geshé Lharampa Degrees at the Kalachakra Ground in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India on January 3, 2024. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

“I pray that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and leaders of all our other Buddhist traditions may live long.”

“Today sees the conclusion of the Mönlam Chenmo or Great Prayer Festival,” His Holiness announced. “All of us gathered here are followers of the Buddha. We should recognise that the teaching of the Buddha is not about saying prayers and performing rituals. It’s mainly about using our minds to cultivate the awakening mind of bodhichitta and insight into emptiness.

“As a Buddhist monk, I generate the awakening mind and an understanding of emptiness the moment I wake in the morning, so my day is imbued with these principles. Generating bodhichitta enables me to fulfil the aims of myself and others and I call all sentient beings as my guests at the feast of enlightenment.

“I also do my best to combine bodhichitta with the view of emptiness, which is the way to overcome mental afflictions and disturbing conceptions. However powerful mental afflictions and disturbing conceptions may be, they are rooted in ignorance and so are without any sound foundation. Bodhichitta and emptiness, on the other hand, are more powerful and are supported by logic and reason.

“Jé Tsongkhapa advised:

In the beginning, I sought much learning.
In the middle, all teachings dawned on me as spiritual instructions.
In the end, I practised day and night.
I dedicated all this virtue for the dharma to flourish.

“Therefore, the more we learn, the more we gain insight and experience. The Buddhadharma is logical and rational. As is mentioned in ‘Entering into the Bodhisattva Way’, there’s nothing that does not become easier with familiarity. The more familiar we become with emptiness, the more our ignorance is reduced.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the congregation at Gelukpa University Convocation and the Award of Geshé Lharampa Degrees at the Kalachakra Ground in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India on January 3, 2024. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

“I work to integrate bodhichitta and emptiness with my mind every day, and I see the impact it has. Deity yoga is important, but being able to cultivate the awakening mind of bodhichitta and an understanding of emptiness are even more so. I urge you to really pursue these practices, confident that they will make you feel at ease. Bodhichitta and emptiness are what make life meaningful. Engaging in deity yoga in the absence of bodhichitta and emptiness will be ineffective.

“On this day when you are receiving your Lharampa degrees, we can recognise that studying the Buddhadharma is something incredible. It’s something particular to Tibet. I have friends from many other Buddhist countries, but few of them study as we do. My own studies began when I was a small child. As I told you the other day, when I was about three years old, I visited Kumbum Monastery and was struck by the sight and sound of young monks prostrating as they recited Om ara patsa na dhih. I was moved to imitate them. In due course, I came to Central Tibet to begin my formal studies. These included Collective Topics, Mind and Awareness, and the study of logic and reason. What effectively consolidated these studies was the practice of debate.

“We may be concerned about the current situation in the world. We may be anxious about the environmental challenges we face, but Manjushri will strengthen our intelligence to be able to resolve the problems we confront. That’s all I want to say for now.”

The moderator explained that the more than 300 Geshé graduates would file up onto the stage where Ganden Tri Rinpoché would present them with their degree certificates. This they did, white silk scarves being draped around their necks as they reached the stage. Having received their degree certificates, each of the Geshé bowed before His Holiness prior to leaving the stage.

Ganden Tri Rinpoché presenting degrees to the Geshe graduates during the Gelukpa University Convocation and the Award of Geshé Lharampa Degrees at the Kalachakra Ground in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India on January 3, 2024. Photo by Ven Zamling Norbu

Groups of Geshés who graduated in each of the last four years gathered around His Holiness to have photographs taken with him.

His Holiness expressed a wish to speak to the gathering once more.

“Jé Rinpoché told us that whatever we hear or read about, we need to apply the fourfold reasoning to really understand it. We might ask in relation to something—’Is it a particle? Or is it not a particle? Is it both a particle and not a particle? Or is it neither a particle nor not a particle?’

“Having gained some understanding we explore and test it in debate. This is how we gain conviction in the teaching. Then we extend our understanding by reflecting day and night on the meaning of whatever we’ve studied. This approach belongs especially to the Nalanda Tradition. Shantarakshita and other Indo-Tibetan scholars reflected on what they had learned and integrated it within themselves. It’s important that we do this too. The point is to study, reflect and practise.

“We must look for the reasons behind the teaching. We can’t rely merely on the words of the classic treatises we must transform what they mean into a living experience.

“Those of you who have received your Geshé degrees today have done well. Now, I urge you to set an example to others by putting what you’ve learned into practice. Through study, reflection and meditation you can integrate what you’ve learned with your minds.

“The day before yesterday a strong earthquake shook Japan. Many people there are now anxious about what’ll happen next. Japan is a Buddhist country where they also recite the ‘Heart Sutra’. Whenever a disaster takes place anywhere in the world we should feel sympathy for the people affected. So, today, let’s recite the ‘Heart Sutra’ together for the people of Japan, especially the victims of the earthquake.”
The entire gathering joined together in chanting the ‘Heart Sutra’ as His Holiness had advised, completing it with a few recitations of the mantra of the Lion-faced Dakini.

Groups of Geshés gathered around His Holiness to have photographs taken with him after receiving their degrees at the Gelukpa University Convocation and the Award of Geshé Lharampa Degrees at the Kalachakra Ground in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India on January 3, 2024. Photo by Tenzin Choejor