Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama grants a special audience to the facilitators and participants of the workshop on SEE Learning and Cognitive-based Compassion Training (CBCT) on the morning of 26 May 2023 at His residence in Dharamshala.

“Despite being refugees, we had no trouble connecting with people from the democratic and free country of India. Unfortunately, due to my aged physique, I don’t enjoy long-distance travel; however, those of you Geshes and educators do, and so we may still communicate.” said His Holiness while addressing the visiting workshop participants. His Holiness further expressed his interest in constant interactions and exchange of experiences with people from all walks.

Following a recitation of verse on dependent origination by Co-ne Bla-ma Rinpoche, His Holiness emphasised the realisation of emptiness as “it is fundamental to casting out our sense of attachment and aversion.” Hence, he instructed gathering to cultivate a mind of bodhicitta through practising altruism and contemplating emptiness to free oneself from the three poisons (attachment, anger and close-mindedness). “Personally, it helped me to near the prayoga marga (the path of application), and soon I hope to attain it through constant and devoted meditation and practices”.

“For instance, I stood in solidarity with the Tibetans who have lost their lives as a result of the Chinese Communist Party’s implementation of oppressive policies and prayed for their courage. However, examining the myopic Chinese officials’ deeds as a result of their ignorance, makes me sympathise with them out of compassion and not hatred,” said His Holiness.