Teachings of Dalai Lama, His Holiness
The teachings of Dalai Lama, His Holiness, strongly influence me and many across the globe. In today’s cruel world of suffering, his words are solace. They inspire us to take the right path of truth and unconditional happiness. Here, I am referring to His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. ‘Dalai Lama’ is the title given to the highest spiritual and religious leader of ‘Yellow Hat’ Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th Dalai Lama, a Nobel Laureate, is a world figure. He is often referred to as ‘Kundun’ meaning ‘The Presence’ and Tibetans also call him ‘Wish fulfilling Gem’. ‘Dalai Lama’ means ‘Ocean of Wisdom’ and therefore, what or how much we can learn from him has no limit. Out of the little knowledge I gathered, I am sharing a few with which I can most relate to.
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
His Holiness was born on 6th of July, 1935, in Taktser, a small village in Tibet. At the age of 2, he was recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama, in accordance with Tibetan tradition of reincarnations and began his training at the age of 6. Dalai Lama is considered the manifestation of the Bodhisattva’s compassion, reincarnated for serving his people. He is considered the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama.
The 14th Dalai Lama and India
After the exile from Tibet due to Chinese invasion in 1959; His Holiness, travelled all the way to India by entering through Arunacha Pradesh and Assam. Since 1960, he started living in McLeod Gunj, Dharamshala, in Himachal Pradesh, India. After him came 85000 exiled Tibetans. India cherishes the presence of His Holiness. On 10th of December, 1989, this simple monk received the Nobel Peace Prize at the Assembly Hall of the University of Oslo, Norway. The focus of His Holiness’ acceptance speech was ‘World Peace’. He emphasized that truth, courage and determination liberates a person and a nation. Mahatma Gandhi’s movement for nonviolence influences him most after Lord Buddha’s teachings.
The Essence of the teachings of Dalai Lama, His Holiness
Yesterday was an auspicious day as it was the 86th birthday of His Holiness. He wishes us to chant the ‘Aum Mani Padme Hum’ mantra (prayer) a thousand times as his birthday prayer. So I started the day with prayers and wishes for him. I have been reflecting and pondering over the Teachings of Dalai Lama, His Holines, which I wanted to share here in my own way. His teachings are a gentle reminder of how we can attain peace and freedom. He is an advocate of altruism, love and kindness. According to him education that leads to compassion, resulting in philanthropic activities or gestures, is of pivotal importance to the society. First, he preaches the Buddhist philosophy of reverence of all living things. Second, he always speaks of the idea of universal responsibility in embracing both human beings and nature.
Science and Religion
His Holiness, firmly believes that with the rapid progress in science; religion and spirituality also need to coexist. With profound concepts of metaphysics, he explains that science and the teachings of Buddha finally lead to union of things or matter. He believes every religion does the same. Every religion and individual pursue the same goal of harnessing happiness. Even if the means appear different, the ends are always the same. The teachings of Dalai Lama revolves around cultivation of human goodness. Dharma (religion), according to him, is utilizing the marvelous human intelligence by instilling compassion and developing inner values. He asks people to be sceptical enough to question and test what he teaches before finally believing it.
Mind Training perspective
Mind is the root of happiness and so should we train it to be on the quest for happiness. All beings have the same desire to be happy and the right to be free. However, the world today is focused on external development. The teachings of Dalai Lama state that elimination of greed and selfishness leads to mutual benefit and brotherhood. Problems like violence, conflicts, destruction of nature, poverty and hunger are caused by humans which can only be resolved by humans. Suffering is caused by ignorance and so we need to focus on uplifting of our inner being. Feeling for other people’s suffering just as our own is necessary for a better world. Friendship and trust are two important aspects. Patience is the key to success and without an enemy to test us, we’d have no context to really develop patience.
Meditation as per the teachings of Dalai Lama
Calming the mind and being determined on the path of truth without caring about criticisms are distinct teachings of Dalai Lama. Meditation is the most essential way to attain this state. He has written numerous books on meditation with clear instructions and holds several sermons all around the world. According to him, we should see everything as illusion as that is what leads to freedom. This sounds a little difficult as we are bound by worldly ties but he has his eloquent explanations from Quantum Physics. He harps on utilizing the value of ancient knowledge in today’s modern life.
The Four Noble Truths
The cornerstone of the teachings of Dalai Lama are the ‘4 Noble Truths’ which are ‘Dukkha’, ‘Samudaya’, ‘Nirodha’ and ‘Magga’. They mean ‘Truth of suffering’, ‘Truth of the cause of suffering’, ‘Truth of the end of suffering’ and ‘Truth of the path’ respectively.
Books by His Holiness
His Holiness is the ‘Ocean of Wisdom’. He has written numerous books for us. I am sharing only a few of my favourites.
The Essential Dalai Lama, is my personal favourite because of its compactness. The book describes his vision, perspectives and practices aimed at a world in harmony. It is a good guide to have an overall idea of the the teachings of Dalai Lama, His Holiness, in a nutshell.
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living describes Dalai Lama’s approach to living. This is a guide to solve problems of daily life using simplest of methods.
My Land and My People and Freedom in Exile are two of his autobiographies.
To know about the Dalai Lama and his teachings, one must refer to the innumerable books on him by others, documentaries and even Hollywood movies. He is one of world’s most impactful people.
Also Check out https://www.dalailama.com/
Have a good Laugh
The world admires the teachings of Dalai Lama, His Holiness. From non-Buddhist celebrities to Buddhist villagers from the rustic Himalayas; all adore him. He has lessons for all; from premium students at Harvard to tiny tots in primary schools. The essence of his teachings is simple, just demanding one to be happy. He suggests everyone to share funny stories and laugh out loud. Like him, we should always keep smiling.
Aum Mani Padme Hum.
- 7 Simple Techniques to Increase Mental Health Awareness - 27/05/2023
- Ruskin Bond’s Bond with the Hills - 19/05/2023
- Rabindranath Tagore’s Words & My Paintings: Rabindra Jayanti Special - 09/05/2023
Ohh..great Dipu! Congratulations for your 1st..very well compiled and written!!! Way to go!
Ohh..great Dipu! Congratulations for your 1st..very well compiled and written!!! Way to go!
Very Nice
Keep it up Dipanita. I am glad to read this article if yours. Keep updating me on next post.
God bless you.
One of the most prominent personalities & a spiritual monk.
The Author is too amazing,funny & inspiring…
Amazing work about an inspiring personality
Lines about the author are ffunny and unique
The most renowned,venerable person & the spritual leader of Buddhism refers to “Dalai Lama” who is refer as one of the most prominent personalities & spritual monk of Buddhism…
Happy Birthday Sir for inspiring many & more…
And most importantly, Dipannita Bhattacherya Ma’am your just did something amazing to make all of us remember this such a great man.
Awesome thought, awesome work…
The most renowned,venerable person & the spritual leader of Buddhism refers to “Dalai Lama” who is refer as one of the most prominent personalities & spritual monk of Buddhism…
And most importantly, Dipannita Bhattacherya Ma’am you just did something amazing to make all of us remember this such a great personality
Awesome thought, awesome work…
Asadharon ma’am.
Darun likhechen ebong sajiyechen….
Asadharon ma’am.
Darun likhechen ebong sajiyechen….
Beautifully written ..great work Dipannita..
Beautiful