Koyasan, Japan, 1 November 2011 (by Sherab Woeser,
phayul.com) - Before beginning a hectic daylong schedule of preparations
and preliminary teachings on the Vajra Dhatu initiation (Tib: Dorying),
His Holiness the Dalai Lama took an early morning break from schedule
for a short pilgrimage to Okuno-in, the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his
hosts crossing a bridge along the path to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi,
the founder of Shingon Buddhism, at Okunoin in Koyasan, Japan, on
November 1, 2011. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
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Accompanied by Ven. Yukei Matsunaga, the head
priest of the Shingon Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi in 805, the Dalai
Lama offered prayers at Kobo Daishi’s inner temple where he is believed
to be in eternal meditation.
Secluded in giant cedar trees, spaced by small
shrines and statues built in memory of the departed, a narrow cobbled
path lead to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, immersed in a natural blend with
the ancient surroundings.
Walking between the cedar trees, some of them
centuries old, the Dalai Lama paused by the statues in red and inscribed
pillars, enquiring with Ven. Yukie Matsunaga while offering prayers.
Inside the Torodo, the Lantern Hall, filled with
thousands of lanterns, His Holiness offered prayers and recited from the
Dorying along with a small crowd of gathered disciples.
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| His Holiness the Dalai Lama with
monks from Namgyal Monastery during the teachings in Koyasan, Japan, on
November 1, 2011. Photo/Kimimasa Mayama |
Later
in the afternoon, Tibetan monks form the Namgyal monastery in
Dharamshala, northern India received the Dalai Lama on the stage for the
Vajra Dhatu initiations at the Koyasan University auditorium. The
tantric Buddhist empowerment was historically given in Japan within its
esoteric Buddhist lineage of Shingon.
The team of eight monks lead by the abbot of Namgyal monastery had
arrived in Koyasan, the heart of the tradition and faith of Kobo Daishi,
a week in advance to construct the intricate Dorying mandala.
Before beginning the preliminary initiation, the Dalai Lama gave a
brief introduction to the meaning of religion and its growing importance
in the 21st century.
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| "Kusha" grass is distributed to
audience members as part of the preparation session of the Vajradhatu
Initiation given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Koyasan, Japan, on
November 1, 2011. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL |
“The
most fundamental purpose of religion is to give peace and happiness to
the mind. With great advancements in outer development, human beings are
realising that money and material development alone cannot bring
happiness,” the Tibetan spiritual leader told the audience of over a
1000 people.
“Scientific studies of the human consciousness have shown the effect
negative emotions have on the physical health. Fear, anger, hatred, too
much self-centredness make our immune system weaker.”
Meticulously taking the audience through the stages of the
initiation, the Dalai Lama explained in great detail, through his
translators, the “basic need” to dissolve self-centredness and nurture a
compassionate mind.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is scheduled to give the Vajradhateshvari empowerment tomorrow.
