His Holiness the Dalai Lama (L) greets followers during a debate on Buddhist philosophy by monks of Samgon Jamtse Thosamling school near in Sumur, a remote hamlet in Ladakh’sNubra valley, on 22 July 2010/Photos by Tibetonline TV

Nubra, Ladakh:
After presiding over a Buddhist philosophical debate at a school in
Ladakh yesterday, His Holiness said it is right to describe Buddhism as
the precious gem of this world in general, and as the symbol of
Himalayan regions in particular. Therefore, it is not only the monks
and nuns, but that of lay people’s responsibility to study the
teachings of Buddha, he added.Tibet has been undergoing great
difficulties for the last 60 years, said His Holiness, expressing hope
that the changes taking place in the world in general and China in
particular would gradually bring positive change in Tibet.His
Holiness the Dalai Lama reminded the people of Himalayan regions of
their bounden duties to make use of the freedom and opportunity to
study and preserve Tibetan Buddhism, which he said is passing through a
difficult phase in Tibet.Since the Tibetan Buddhism is a common
religion followed by both Tibetans and the people living in Himalayan
regions, the later should make great efforts to preserve the whole set
of teachings and commentaries of Buddha and Nalanda masters, His
Holiness said.

Monks debate on Buddhist philosophy during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Samgon Jamtse Thosamling school in Ladakh

The
debate was organised by Samgon Jamtse Thosamling School in its effort
to follow the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in promoting
Buddhist teachings. The participants asked many questions during the
debate which focused on role of the people of Himalayan regions in
sustaining the rich Nalanda traditions and how to become a genuine 21st
century Buddhist. In his address to the gathering, His
Eminence the Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche spoke about the remarkable
life histories of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and his predecessor,
the Great 13th Dalai Lama. There are presently 45 students at
Samgon Jamtse Thosamling School and those students completing class
VIII from this school are send to three major learning centres of
Tibetan Buddhism in South India. Established in 1998, the school
imparts modern education like computer courses in addition to classes
on Buddhist dialectics.The students took part in a debate on
Buddhist philosophy during visit His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s previous
visit to the school in 2003.Geshe Yeshi Gyaltsen, who teaches
Buddhist dialectics at the school, said: “in accordance to advise of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the responsibility of preserving
Buddhism in its pristine form by the people of Himalayan regions, the
religious debate organised today was meant to be followed in other
schools in future.His Holiness the Dalai Lama departed Samtenling Monastery for Yarma Gonpo Monastery on 23 July.–Report filed by Jigme Tsering and Namgyal Tsewang of Tibetonline TV