Washington DC, USA, 15 July 2011 – On July 15th His Holiness the Dalai Lama conferred the main series of Kalachakra Initiations.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama conferring the Kalachakra Initiation in Washington DC on July 15, 2011. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
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His Holiness began by talking about it being up to
each and every individual to be religious or not, to be Buddhist or
not. However, if someone voluntarily takes an interest in Buddhism,
then the individual must be serious and sincere. He said it was wrong
for someone to think that just remembering the Buddha would be enough
and that he would take care of everything. His Holiness added that the
Buddha had clearly outlined that the responsibility lay with the each
and every practitioner.
His Holiness then explained the meaning of
Kalachakra. As this initiation belongs to the highest yoga Tantra
(Anuttarayoga), His Holiness emphasized the importance of understanding
Tantrayana properly. For example, in the name of tantric practice,
indulging in what could be termed as free sex is dangerous, His Holiness
said.
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| Some of the main students on stage
during the Kalachakra Initiation conferred by His Holiness the Dalai
Lama in Washington DC on July 15, 2011. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL |
At
the conclusion, His Holiness said that those attending the teachings
would be in some kind of a happy state of mind. He added that this would
generate a positive energy that could have impact in the community.
His Holiness suggested that the attendees might think of dedicating
whatever virtues they have accumulated for the broader community. He
specifically referred to the world economic crisis and its particular
impact in the United States. His Holiness said he had long been admiring
the United States as a champion of democracy, liberty and freedom. He,
therefore asked the attendees to consider dedicating their virtues so
that the United States could also overcome the economic crisis and
continue its championship of the free world.
On July 16, 2011 His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be bestowing the
long life empowerment. His Holiness will also be meeting President
Barack Obama at the White House.
In addition to Tibetans, attendees of the teachings have come from
more than 40 countries, including from the following. Albania,
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil,
Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Guatemala,
Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand,
Portugal, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka,
Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, United States,
Venezuela, and Vietnam.
