Dharamshala: Holding reincarnation as an extension of the old feudal systems, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that Tibetans should take to 21st Century Buddhism and not hold onto orthodox ways. However, when questioned about the institution of reincarnation of Dalai Lama, he said that it was for the people of Tibet to consider and decide whether or not to continue with it.
Dalai Lama on Friday addressed the students of Government College Dharamshala, who are studying the newly introduced certificate course ‘Ancient Indian Wisdom’ at his Residence in McLeodganj in Upper Dharamshala.
Emphasising on his first commitment, the Dalai Lama affirmed that all 7 billion human beings are the same mentally, emotionally and physically and that they belong to one community. Based on that reason he highlighted the need for the importance of the sense of oneness. “The world needs more of this knowledge,” said Dalai Lama. He apprised that Ahimsa and Karuna cannot be revived through prayers or rituals but rather through education.
Commenting on his reincarnation issue the Dalai Lama said, “This institution I feel is very much related with this feudal system. So in Tibetan history some lamas are really wonderful but some lamas disgraced (laughs). So I feel we should return to original Indian tradition no reincarnation no lamas’ institutions. We should be 21st century Buddhists not orthodox way. However, it will be decided by the people of Tibet whether to continue this institution.”
Talking about the Ancient Indian Knowledge, Dalai Lama has been making efforts for the revival of knowledge and has been speaking about his commitment to many Indian youths. He reiterated the need for the hygiene of emotions in the academic curriculum.
Dalai Lama said that he respects all the religions of the world, because all carry the message of love and respect. Buddhism is based on Nalanda school of thought, which says that one should accept every aspect on the bases of reason and research, which matches the modern science concept. When asked about some restrictions to certain communities in India, he said, “India is the most populated democracy, where people of so many religions live, some in majority and other in minority.
But broadly India is a peaceful country and its future is great. It is a secular country for more than 1000 years.” He added that if you still feel that you are unsafe in India, just look at the condition of public in Afghanistan, Middle East etc. “It is the greatness of India, that all religions are being respected here.”
Dalai Lama said the modern education have come from the west, where as Buddhism is the science of Mind and Reasoning and Investigation. Buddhism is not just based on faith. He said that Tibetans are the Chellas (disciples) of Guru (teacher) Indians. “We are the sincere Chellas as we are still preserving the Nalanda tradition, and the Tibetan language, which is not only most close to Sanskrit but most easy to explain ancient Indian studies.”
Dalai Lama said that “we are able to protect our culture and language only by living in India where we are free to do so”
The Government College Dharamsala recently became the first college in Himachal to start a 6-month certificate course in Ancient Indian Wisdom. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has continuously emphasized the need to start a program on Ancient Indian Wisdom. The Himachal government’s educational department have also approved the above course. The audience also included the students of Lovely Professional University, Panjab University, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Sharda Univesity and many other institutes of the Himalyan states and Bhutan.
Arvind Sharma is an award winning bi-lingual journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
He has worked with Divya Himachal, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhasker, Vir Partap, Ajit and PTI.
In 2010, he was conferred the Himachal Kesri journalism award. He reports on the Tibetan Government in Exile, politics, sports, tourism and other topics. He lives in Dharamshala.
