His Holiness begins teachings on ‘Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ in Melbourne
[Sunday, 12 June 2011, 11:50 p.m.]
| His Holiness at a public talk on Happiness, Life and Living.Photo by Rusty Stewart/DLIAL |
MELBOURNE:
His Holiness the Dalai Lama began his first day of teachings this
morning at Melbourne Convention and Entertainment Centre. Over 3000
people came to hear him speak on Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by
Shantideva. He has received the teachings on this important text from
Khunu Lama Tenzin Gyalsten. He said, “A Guide to Bodhisattva’s Way of
Life is the best text on altruism and has been of immense help to my
practice.”
His
Holiness gave a broad overview of Buddhist philosophy in his
introductory remarks. He argued that while all major religious
traditions may differ in philosophical viewpoints, they carry the same
message and have the same potential to bring inner peace and happiness.
He added different religions are necessary to suit different mental
dispositions.
After
a general presentation of the various religious faiths, His Holiness
moved on to the day’s teaching. He took a slightly different approach
by starting with “wisdom,” chapter 9 of the text and discussed the
concept of emptiness and the two realities – the conventional and the
ultimate.
For
the second half of the day, His Holiness gave a public talk on
“Happiness, Life & Living” in the same hall. Irish folk singer
Luka Bloom opened the event by welcoming His Holiness on stage. “As I
waved goodbye” was a song specially composed for His Holiness’ life
journey of leaving Tibet and going into exile. During the talk, he
stressed on the importance of promoting moral ethics and developing
inner strength to create a meaningful life.
His
Holiness also spoke on human intelligence and how it can be a source of
both progress and destruction in the world as has been demonstrated by
history. He said millions of lives were lost in war in the last
century. He called for a violence-free 21st century,
emphasising the need to demilitarise the world. He said, “However,
before we work for universal disarmament, we must first go through
internal disarmament”.
In
one of the more novel events of the visit, and certainly a first for
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama appeared on top-rating Australian reality
TV show Masterchef. His Holiness was taken on a tour of the set and was
served meals by the show’s seven contestants. The show will be on air
in the last week of June.
There
will be a live webcasts of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings and
public talks during his visit to Australia from 11-19 June.
Live webcast can be viewed here.
All Webcast times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (GMT+10:00)11 -13 June: His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be giving teachings on Shantideva’s “Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” in MelbourneSaturday 11th June – 09:30-11:30amSunday 12th June – 9:30-11:30am & 1:30-3:30pmMonday 13th June – 9:30-11:30am & 1:30-3:30pm11 June: A
public talk entitled “A Conversation with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
on Happiness, Life & Living – Karma and Reincarnation” at the
Melbourne Convention Center in Melbourne, from 1:30–3:30pm.14 June: A
public talk entitled “A Conversation with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
on Happiness, Life & Living – Love and Forgiveness” at the Royal
Theater National Convention Center in Canberra from 2:30–3:30pm.17 June: A
public talk entitled “A Conversation with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
on Happiness, Life & Living – Happiness and Compassion” at the
Riverstage at the Botanic Garden in Brisbane from 1:30–3:30pm.19 June: A
public talk entitled “A Conversation with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
on Happiness, Life & Living – Spirituality in the Modern World” at
the Burswood Dome in Perth from 7:30-9:30am (9:30-11:30am in Perth)For
times in your region 9:30am 11 June in Melbourne, Australia (Australian
Eastern Standard Time) is the same as 6:30pm 10 June in New York City,
USA (Eastern Daylight Time)
