‘China and Japan should work on translation of Buddhist canon’[Wednesday, 23 June 2010, 12:41 p.m.]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaching Heart Sutra at Kanazawa in Japan, on 22 June 2010/Photos by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Kanazawa, Japan:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Tuesday suggested that Japan and China
should think of translating Buddhist texts and commentaries preached by
Lord Buddha and other learned spiritual masters into their own
languages. His Holiness said this while teaching Heart Sutra to over 2,000 devotees during a public teaching at Ishikawa Concert Hall.Expressing
his warm greetings, His Holiness said he feels comfortable in teaching
Buddhism in Japan which is a Buddhist nation. “I get a feeling as if I
am returning to you a part of your ancient tradition. This feeling is
not so forthcoming in the West, because I feel every country needs to
maintain their religion and culture,” he said.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets a Japanese devotee during the teaching in Kanazawa in Japan, on 22 June 2010

His
Holiness reiterated his call for the need to become 21st century
Buddhists. “Buddhism should not become a mere ceremonial exercise, we
need to study and know the meaning of the scriptures we are reading.
Heart sutra is an essential Buddhist teaching of Nalanda Sanskrit
version of Mahayana tradition. So, it is important to know the full
meaning of this teaching. Therefore, though my knowledge is limited, I
have studied this sutra and I want to share with you all,” His Holiness
said. During the Q&A session, a lady recounted her
experience of her visit to Tibet where she witnessed how the Tibetans
were very kind to all the living beings. Responding to her remarks, His
Holiness said: “Tibetan culture is a culture of compassion. Peace and
non-violence is the way of life in Tibet.”On being asked about
how to lead a meaningful life, His Holiness said: “You should help
other, if you cannot help, restrain from harming other and be honest.” Speaking
on science and religion, His Holiness said Buddhism has the capacity to
correspond with science, the fact widely recognised by many scientists.
He said that even though science and religion have different
approaches, both could contribute immensely for the promotion of
peaceful world. His Holiness will stay in Kanazawa till Thursday before departing for Tokyo.–Report filed by Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Office of Tibet, Japan