"Tibetans Refugees In Own Country, Freedom In India": Dalai Lama, Points Out Similarities With Nalanda Tradition

The 14th Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibet, stated Thursday (14 December) that Tibetans experience more freedom in India, in stark contrast to their homeland where they face extensive control.

According to NDTV, the Dalai Lama expressed in Siliguri, "We as Tibetans, have become refugees. Our homeland is heavily controlled, yet in India, we experience freedom."

He went on to explain, "Given the deep connection between Tibetan culture and the Nalanda tradition, we are dedicated to preserving these millennia-old traditions, focusing primarily on their unique ways of thinking and psychological aspects."

The Dalai Lama emphasised that there are numerous ways to maintain tranquility when dealing with anger or jealousy, and we consciously aim to lessen these feelings. He identifies these practices as part of Tibetan Buddhist culture, but asserts that they can be applicable to all individuals.

The Dalai Lama made his arrival at the Sed-Gyued Monastery in Siliguri earlier on Thursday, where he was set to impart his teachings to his followers.

The monastery was bustling with preparations for the visit of the Buddhist spiritual leader, who was returning after an absence of 13 years.

Upon concluding a three-day exploration of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, he made a visit to the monastery.

In the monastery, the Dalai Lama gave a two-hour lecture on Bodhicitta, the primary source of a Buddha, and the ideas that contribute to mental peace.

Approximately 20,000 followers from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars, and nearby states such as Assam, Bihar, and Sikkim, as well as from Nepal and Bhutan, congregated for the Dalai Lama's teachings at the monastery.

Previously in Sikkim, the Tibetan spiritual guide conducted a lecture on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo's 37 Practices of Bodhisattva ('Laklen Sodunma') along with the ceremony of the generation of Bodhichitta ('Semkye').

The ancient text, 'Laklen Sodunma' or The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, was penned in the 14th Century BCE by Tokme Sangpo. Sangpo was a Buddhist monk originating from Puljung, located southwest of the Sakya Monastery in Tibet.

The Dalai Lama conveyed: "Consistently analysing the state of one's consciousness, with unwavering mindfulness and vigilance, in order to contribute to the welfare of others--this is the discipline of all the bodhisattvas. Regular cultivation of Bodhichitta can result in increased benefits."

The Dalai Lama offered a prayer, calling upon Avalokiteshwara, in memory of those who perished in the recent flood catastrophe in Sikkim. He also prayed for the tranquility and joy of the inhabitants of Sikkim and the surrounding areas.