Faith without
knowing essence of Buddhism merely following tradition: Dalai
Lama
August 19, 2016Tenzin Dharpo Phayul
CHOGLAMSAR, LEH-
Aug. 19: Beginning the teaching on Shantideva's A Guide to the
Bodhisattva's Way of Life (chodjug) at Shewatsal teaching
ground yesterday, the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai
Lama addressed the congregation here at on the significance of
learning and understanding what the Buddhist scriptures and
doctrines preach. “Faith without learning the essence of Buddhism
is merely following tradition that has been passed on,” he said at
the start of the day’s teaching.
The 81 year old Nobel laureate stressed, “We are not gathered here
for a performance or even a meeting, rather we are here to expound
on the teachings of Buddha. Hence, for a fruitful venture both the
teacher and the student must strive to exhibit genuine and pure
resolve to teach and learn. If we fail to do so we might as well be
here to sin together.”
With the harsh Ladakhi sun upon a crowd of close to thirty thousand
people consisting of Tibetans, Ladakhis, western devotees and
tourists, the Dalai Lama called for harmony between all religious
traditions.The Tibetan leader attended a luncheon organized by Shia
and Balti Muslim community at Chushod near Choglamsar on
Wednesday.
The Tibetan leader, while speaking on the validity of Buddhist
teachings, said, “The teachings of Buddha stymies the affliction at
the core of one’s being and addresses the inner rift, unlike the
short term pleasures derived from resorting to alcohol and
recreational drugs.”
The teachings will go on until August 20 after which he will confer
the Avalokiteshhvera Initiation (chenrezig wang) on August 21
before returning to Dharamsala.