BIR, Himachal Pradesh: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today reached Bir near Dharamshala for a two-day visit to Palpung Sherabling monastery at the invitation of H.E. Tai Situpa Rinpoche, the head lama of the monastery. This is His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first visit to the monastery.
A brief ceremony was held at the main temple of the monastery this morning to honour His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit. Kalons Pema Chhinjor, Dolma Gyari and Tsering Wangchuk attended the ceremony along with Speaker Penpa Tsering and Chief Justice Commissioner Mr. Kargyu Dhondup. Other dignitaries include Tibetan Parliamentarians, Tibetan Justice Commissioners, and heads of various Tibetan governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Before the ceremony commenced, Tai Situpa Rinpoche performed a mandala offering of body, speech and mind to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He then proceeded to read out a brief history of the Situpa lineage, and the rich spiritual bond shared between the Dalai Lamas and the Situpa lineage holders.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in his address, lauded Situ Rinpoche for his tireless service towards Tibetan Buddhism, particularly for his emphasis on effective educational development of monks. He said: “There are many who build temples and monasteries but Rinpoche is one of those few whose focus on education is exemplary,” and urged him to continue his noble work.
Speaking on the general condition of monastic education in Tibetan monasteries, His Holiness said that the level of Buddhist education in Tibetan monasteries is quite high. However, His Holiness said that Tibetans shouldn’t get complacent but rather intensify their effort to further boost the level of Tibetan monastic education, adding that quality rather than quantity is of value.
Extolling the Buddhist principles of warm heartedness and compassion, His Holiness said, “Buddhism is not just about reciting prayers. It is a practical philosophy where you have to imbibe what you learn to realistically develop your heart.”
His Holiness also said that the cause and effect reasoning of modern science alone couldn’t determine genuine happiness. “ Therefore, the core principles of Buddhist education are necessary for inner happiness,” His Holiness said, adding that even scientists and quantum physicists reiterate this Buddhist view today.
Speaking on the aftermath of Chinese occupation of Tibet on Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness said, “The occupation of Tibet by Chinese communist forces is a tragedy. Yet, if we look at it from another perspective, it is also an opportunity for us because it has brought the Tibetan people and Tibetan Buddhism on the world stage.”
“The great scholars and ancestors of Tibet have passed on to us a rich traditional knowledge. Now it is our duty to make this ancient knowledge relevant and useful for the contemporary world, because our main duty is not just to spread Buddhism but also to serve entire humanity,” His Holiness said.
Kalon Pema Chhinjor, who was officiating as the representative of the Central Tibetan Administration, spoke of the rich traditions of Tibetan religion and culture and the presence of Tibetan Buddhism across the world through the various dharma centers established by Tibetan Buddhist scholars.
He said that these dharma centres serve the Tibetan cause by preserving Tibetan culture through teachings and practical service to the general Tibetan public. He also reiterated that the older generation of Tibetan people should pass on an intact knowledge of Tibetan culture to the younger generation.
Kalon Pema Chhinjor also gave a brief account of the historical background of Sherabling monastery and lauded its efforts to preserve the core essence of Tibetan monastic education.
Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, in his address, appreciated Situpa Rinpoche’s numerous accomplishments as a spiritual teacher. He also lauded Rinpoche’s emphasis on traditional Tibetan monastic education to boost Buddhist philosophical knowledge.
At the same time, he reiterated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice that quality rather than quantity is essential to create a robust monastic institute.
Following the ceremony, His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated and blessed the library and mandala shrine temple of the monastery.
Tomorrow, Tai Situpa Rinpoche will offer a long life prayer ceremony to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Tai Situpa Rinpoche is an important spiritual figure in the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The current Situpa is the 12th in the Tai Situpa lineage.
