Zenkoji gifts His Holiness the Dalai Lama a Buddha statue[Monday, 21 June 2010, 5:03 p.m.]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (c) during a prayer ceremony at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, Japan, on 19 June 2010/Photo by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Nagano, Japan:
Over 7,000 people filled the Big Hat Stadium with loud applause and
cheers as Zenkoji priests gifted His Holiness the Dalai Lama a statue
of Gonpo O-pa-me (Amitabha Buddha) at the conclusion of a public talk
titled ‘Guide to Positive Clear Light’ Sunday afternoon.The
Gonpo O-pa-me, called Amida in Japanese, is the principal Buddha
enshrined and worshipped at the 7th century Zenkoji Temple at Nagano in
central Japan. Zenkoji’s most sacred image, The Amida Triad, housed in
the main temple, is also the first Buddha image brought to Japan via
Korea. The arrival of the image also marked the early propagation of
Buddhism in Japan.This aspect of Zenkoji’s history has a lot of
resonance to Jokhang Temple in Tibet’s capital, Lhasa, where the
arrival of Buddha Shakyamuni’s image marked the arrival of Buddhism in
Tibet, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama in a message issued at the
event.Clear Light, His Holiness explained, reflects the basic
nature of the mind which is neutral and is closer to positive emotions
such as love, kindness and compassion. Negative emotions like stress,
anxiety and selfishness cloud the clear nature of the mind crippling
its ability to think and analyze without bias and anger. When we
develop a calm mind, we find self-confidence and intelligence to see
problems in a holistic manner so we could avoid unrealistic and
destructive actions. Understanding the concept of interdependence –
that all problems have causes traceable to actions based on ignorance
and self-centeredness – is therefore important in developing a holistic
view of all existence.Lack of holistic view, he said, was one
of the major reasons that triggered the current global economic crisis.
It also led to the failure of the Copenhagen Climate Change summit
because more emphasis was put on national interests than global
interests. He said the well-being of six billion-strong global family
is more important than divisions based race, faith and countries which
are secondary concerns. “What is important is the oneness of humanity.”For
many who attended the talk, it was their first experience listening to
His Holiness‘ teachings. Although some found the initial parts of the
teachings too complex to understand, they said they were impressed by
His Holiness‘ message to think globally. “It touched me profoundly when
he said both he and I belong to the global family; it gave me a new
perspective to see things,” said Iwai Takamoto, 34, from Matsumoto in
Nagano Prefecture. “I feel like even I can make a difference.”For
Nami Suzuki, a 28-yr-old pharmacist from Nagano, it was His Holiness‘
reference to environmental issues that she found very relevant. “I
think he made a very important point when he said environmental issue
is a global concern.”Hiroko Suzuki said he had heard few
spiritual teachers encouraging people to learn new languages and go out
in the world and help less privileged people. “I’ll probably learn
English,” said the 23-year-old who works at a production company in
Nagano. Rev. Syoryu WADA, president of Zenkoji Temple
secretariat said Japan has made great progress in material development
but spiritual development is lacking. He said in a country confronted
with many conflicting issues of economic crisis, social violence and
widespread use of illegal drugs, His Holiness’ teachings can have make
a huge difference. Japan’s annual suicide figure now exceeds 30,000.
“Many now realize that the more you have, emptier your heart becomes.”In 2008, Zenkoji Temple received a Buddha statue from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.–Report filed by Tsering Tsomo