KOYASAN, Japan:  Describing his visit current as a way to share suffering with Japanese people affected by the recent natural tragedy, His Holiness the Dalai Lama today praised their resilience to rebuild their nation from even from ashes as they did after the second world war.

Taking part in an interactive discussion with young Buddhist priests at a packed auditorium on Koyasan university’s 125th founding anniversary, His Holiness devoted the entire session in taking questions from the audience.”As a friend and same follower of Buddha, I feel honoured to get the opportunity to share the painful suffering experienced by you after the recent natural tragedy,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said during a discussion with Japanese at Koyasan University.Responding to questions on why Japan suffered the fury of nature, His Holiness said a number of causes such as the continuous evolution of earth, global warming and negative deeds in one’s previous lives.  His Holiness emphasised that enhancing the collective merit of the community could prevent one’s past negative deeds to bear fruit. The collective merit can be enhanced through promotion of positive values of care for others’ well-being, headded.”However, one thing is very clear, all the suffering and conflict in this world is man-made,” he said. “So, the solution lies in ourselves,” he added.

His Holiness also answered questions on how peaceful mind and genuine happiness have to be achieved. “Perception of comfort through sensorial feelings and vested interest is transient. Genuine peace of mind and happiness could be acquired through our positive use of human intelligence, and values of love, compassionand care for others’ well-being.” Elucidating on human intelligence, he said human beings have more power of using this faculty, due to which there is more tendencytowards negative emotions like suspicion and frustration. On the contrary, if our intelligence is used for others’ well-being, itwould strength our self-confidence to generate happiness for both oneself and others, he added.He further said there has been growing interest in the study of mind since the later part of 20th century. Describing it as a positive change, His Holiness said people with peaceful mind were healthy at the individual, family, society and global levels. The Buddhism, which the scientists over the years have considered aform of science, can play an important role in generating a peaceful state of mindHis Holiness the Dalai Lama reiterated that Japan must introduce study and research on mind and secular ethics in educational institutions for the benefit of their future generation. “It will definitely bring positive results,” he added. Prior to giving the talk, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Kongobuji temple located on a higher platform in Koyasan, nestled in thick and lush green forests. A group of Japanese jostled to greet His Holiness at the temple, as some elderly people knelt down before him striking a strong emotional chord. His Holiness also attended a tea reception hosted in his honour of his visit at the temple.His Holiness will begin a two-day Vajradhateshwari initiation tomorrow.