Dharamsala, H.P., India, 1 October 2012 (www.phayul.com) - Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama today began his four-day teachings on Atisha’s Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment (Jangchup Lamdron) at the Tsug-la Khang, the main temple near his exile residence in Dharamshala.
The teachings have been requested by a group of Taiwanese disciples.
Speaking to reporters, George, the head of International Association of Tibetan Buddhist Dharma, Taiwan said the Association requested the teachings at the behest of 20 monasteries in Taiwan.
“At first, there were thousands of people who applied to attend the teachings but due to visa and accommodation problems only few could make it to Dharamshala.”
“I feel lucky and blessed to be here to receive teachings from His Holiness,” George added.
According to the Tibetan Department of Security, under the Central Tibetan Administration, more than 2000 disciples from 61 countries, including 800 Taiwanese are attending the teachings. Disciples from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Peru, Spain, Korea, and Vietnam, among other countries, have also registered for the teachings.
Speaking to Phayul, a first time attendee of the Dalai Lama’s teachings, Vladmir from Russia said he could feel a “tremendous sense of unity” among all the disciples from various countries at the Tsug-la Khang. “I think this is very much in keeping with the teaching of Buddhism that is love and compassion and that in spite of all our differences we are one,” Vladmir said. “I expect further growth in my understanding of the importance of compassion and love between people as the uniting force that will bring peace to this suffering world.”
Oscar, a Spanish, who has attended many of His Holiness’ teachings lauded the 77-year-old Tibetan leader as “the best teacher in the whole world.”
“After listening to his teaching, the dharma becomes more clear.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Tinh Vo from Vietnam, who said that although he has studied the Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, it is “very rewarding to hear His Holiness’ voice and his way of explaining the text.”
The teachings will conclude on October 4 with a group of Taiwanese performing a cultural dance to thank His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the teachings.
Live webcast of the teachings are available here in Chinese, English, and Russian languages.
