{"id":13538,"date":"2019-08-19T11:16:05","date_gmt":"2019-08-19T09:16:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/?p=13538"},"modified":"2019-08-19T11:16:05","modified_gmt":"2019-08-19T09:16:05","slug":"his-holiness-the-dalai-lamas-teachings-in-manali-completed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/?p=13538","title":{"rendered":"His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Teachings in Manali Completed"},"content":{"rendered":"
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the audience on the final day of his teachings in Manali, HP, India on August 18, 2019. Photo by Tenzin Choejor<\/p><\/div>\n

August 18, 2019. Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India – After a two day deluge, rain continued to fall as His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at the teaching ground this morning. He waved to the audience, greeted those sat around the throne and took his seat. He advised the monks sitting in the front rows to wrap themselves up against the cold. \u201cToday, we\u2019ll look at the \u2018Eight Verses for Training the Mind\u2019,\u201d he remarked, opening a copy of the book containing the texts he was teaching in Tibetan, Hindi, English and Chinese. \u201cGesh\u00e9 Langri Thangpa http:\/\/www.sangye.it\/altro\/?p=497<\/a>\u00a0was known for his practice of bodhichitta. Thinking of the sufferings of sentient beings he was so moved he wept. His face wore a perpetual doleful expression.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI received an explanation of this text from several of my teachers including Kyabj\u00e9 Trijang Rinpoch\u00e9, and I\u2019ve been reciting it daily since I was a small boy.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAsk yourself what the word \u2018I\u2019 in the first verse means. We have feelings and sensations that seem to be like facilities for the \u2018I\u2019 that is their user and is the controller of the body and so forth. Non-Buddhists assert that the \u2018I\u2019 is something separate from the body-mind combination, but Buddhists say it can\u2019t exist apart from that. Some assert that the \u2018I\u2019 or person can be identified with mental consciousness. The Mind Only school, for example, refer to the foundational consciousness in this way.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, the Middle Way School states that the \u2018I\u2019 or the person is merely designated on the basis of the body-mind combination, just as other things in the world are designated by our projections and preconceptions. The purpose of this instruction is to counter our misconception of an independent self. Middle Way scholars don\u2019t say there is no conventional existence, they say things have no objective existence.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs I mentioned yesterday, the Buddha neither is the body-mind combination, nor is he different from it. The body-mind combination is not in him, nor is he in the body-mind combination. The Buddha does not possess the body-mind combination, but what else is the Buddha? Even the Buddha has no objective existence, but exists nominally, as a convention.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe make ourselves unhappy because our sense of an independent self makes us selfish, on the basis of which we express all kinds of emotions. Day to day experience tells us that selfish people tend to be more easily upset, whereas those who are compassionate and naturally concerned about others are more broadminded and relaxed.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince we don\u2019t want suffering and do want happiness, we need to reduce the causes of suffering and increase the causes of happiness. As human beings this is something we can think about and put into effect. The first verse shows that fulfilling our short and long term goals is dependent on others. Avoiding the unwholesome actions of killing, taking what is not given, sexual misconduct, as well as acts of unwholesome speech is done in relation to others. Because happiness comes about in relation to them, the second verse advises \u2018Cherish others as supreme\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

His Holiness stressed that as human beings we should respect each other. Should it be the case that we are kind to someone who then takes advantage of us, we shouldn\u2019t let our compassion fade. Whatever prompts afflictive emotions to arise, we should counter them. They stoke the self-cherishing attitude that leads to ruin.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever we see people who are really suffering, we shouldn\u2019t be condescending but compassionate to them. For example, we should give to beggars respectfully. Giving respectfully is one of the sixteen factors that give rise to higher rebirth. In verse 5 we read, \u2018May I accept defeat\u2019. When one follower of the Kadampa tradition was subject to another\u2019s criticism, he asked his friends not to respond, saying, \u2018I\u2019ll take the defeat upon myself\u2019. The next verse refers to an occasion when we may have helped someone who shows no appreciation. The appropriate response is to view that person as our teacher.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe lines in verse 7, \u2018May I give all help and joy to my mothers, And may I take all their harm and pain secretly upon myself,\u2019 summarizes the practice of \u2018Giving and taking\u2019. When you breathe in imagine taking the pain and suffering of others on yourself, and when you breathe out, imagine giving them joy. This is what I did when news of demonstrations in Lhasa in 2008 made me apprehensive about what might happen. I imagined taking anger and hostility away from the Chinese officials involved in the incident and giving them peacefulness and joy.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe final verse advises us, when we do these practices, not to be carried away by worldly concerns such as a desire for good reputation and fame. The line, \u2018May I see all things as illusions\u2019 refers to ultimate bodhichitta, which the Middle Way School characterizes as nothing having objective existence\u2014things only exist by way of designation.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Taking up the \u201837 Practices of a Bodhisattva\u2019\u00a0http:\/\/www.sangye.it\/altro\/?p=1727<\/a>, His Holiness recalled that Togm\u00e9 Sangpo was reputed to be a bodhisattva, someone with actual experience of bodhichitta. He lived in a cave in Ngulchu. He was an accomplished scholar who composed a commentary on Maitreya\u2019s \u2018Sublime Continuum\u2019, but was also acknowledged for his humility and good nature.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

His Holiness observed that the contents of the Three Baskets of the Buddha\u2019s teaching Sutras, Vinaya and Abhidharma, were meant for individuals to practise. An individual of least capacity works to achieve the high status of good rebirth. One of medium capacity aims to accomplish liberation from the cycle of existence, while an individual of great capacity works to benefit all sentient beings by attaining enlightenment.
\nHis Holiness noted that the two preliminary verses involve paying respects to Avalokiteshvara, embodiment of all Buddhas\u2019 compassion, and declaring a promise to compose the text.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA stanza in Aryadeva\u2019s \u2018400 Verses\u2019 http:\/\/www.sangye.it\/altro\/?cat=72<\/a>\u00a0also refers to the three kinds of capacity for making progress on the path:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFirst overcome unwholesome deeds
\nNext prevent [conceptions of] self;
\nLater prevent wrong views of all kinds.
\nWhoever knows of this is wise.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cFulfilling these three ambitions requires study and practice as the line in the first verse recommends\u2014\u2018Hear, think, and meditate unwaveringly night and day.\u2019 We have a human life that affords an opportunity to distinguish right from wrong. To waste such an opportunity would be a great loss, whereas making use of it and cultivating virtue leaves positive imprints on the mind. At the time of death, only the wholesome practice we\u2019ve done will be of any help.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeek and rely on a properly qualified spiritual master, someone compassionate who has insight into reality, who is eloquent and knowledgeable. J\u00e9 Tsongkhapa advised relying on someone who observes ethics, concentration and wisdom. Recall death and impermanence\u2014who knows which will come first, tomorrow or the next life? Reflecting on the value of this human life and the ease of losing it spurs us on to practice.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

His Holiness mentioned that making incense offerings to deities is acceptable so long as we don\u2019t regard the deity as an object of refuge. To do that would be to contradict refuge in the Three Jewels of Refuge\u2014the Dharma, practice of which is the real refuge; the Buddha who is our teacher and the Sangha who are our companions. The Buddhas uproot ignorance and lead beings to liberation. They don\u2019t wash away wrongdoing with water, nor do they remove suffering with their hands. They teach about reality. The Sangha comprises individuals who have direct experience of emptiness.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

His Holiness told a story about Trehor Kyorp\u00f6n Rinpoch\u00e9, an accomplished scholar and adept, who stopped somewhere to rest after escaping from Lhasa. In that place was someone who went into trance. He declared that he was Shukden, so Trehor Kyorp\u00f6n Rinpoch\u00e9 put a difficult question to the spirit which he failed to answer, so Rinpoch\u00e9 told him just to go away.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Nagarjuna http:\/\/www.sangye.it\/altro\/?cat=99<\/a>\u00a0and his followers used their intelligence; we can do that too.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Verse 8, which states, \u2018Never do wrong\u2019, completes the practices for achieving happiness in the next life. \u2018Aspire to the never-changing supreme state of liberation\u2019 in verse 9 refers to the practice of someone of medium capacity. The verses that follow deal with the path of those of great capacity, who \u2018free limitless living beings and
\ndevelop the altruistic intention\u2019.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

His Holiness remarked that since he had already explained the altruistic intention quite thoroughly he was not going to do so again, but would read the verses. Verse 11 advises, \u2018exchange your own happiness for the suffering of others\u2019. Verse 18 counsels, \u2018Without discouragement take on the misdeeds and the pain of all living beings\u2019. Verse 22 refers to ultimate bodhichitta. From verse 25 the practice of the six perfections are outlined. Verse 31 points out that \u2018You may look like a practitioner but not act as one if you don’t examine your own errors\u2019, therefore, \u2018examining your own errors, rid yourself of them\u2019.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

After completing his reading of the text, His Holiness encouraged his listeners to read it again themselves whenever they have time. He assured them it would be beneficial to do so.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToday, we\u2019ve completed this series of teachings. With regard to yesterday\u2019s empowerment, first visualise Lokeshvara in front of you as he was depicted in the thangka. Then, imagining he dissolves into you, recite the six-syllable mantra for ten rounds of your \u2018mala\u2019. Not that this will be much help if your mind remains unruly. Instead of ridding yourself of afflictive emotions, you\u2019ll just wear out the nails on your fingers. Try not to think only of yourself, but of all sentient beings.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

His Holiness gave transmission of the mantras of the Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Arya Tara. He declared that he was happy to have been able to teach and that he was grateful to the interpreters who had rendered what he said into Hindi, English and Chinese so he could be readily understood.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhether the Dharma is effective or not depends on whether you manage to transform your mind. Having heard the teachings from me, it\u2019s up to you to effect that transformation. Your neighbours should be able to see a difference in you, if you practise well. Pray that Avalokiteshvara will care for you in life after life. Until we meet again.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A representative of the organizers made a financial statement.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

His Holiness left the stage and returned to \u00d6n Ngari Monastery. The weather began to improve.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.dalailama.com\/news\/2019\/teachings-in-manali-completed<\/a>,\u00a0https:\/\/livestream.com\/DalaiLamaEnglish\/manali2019\/videos\/195178627<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

August 18, 2019. Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India – After a two day deluge, rain continued to fall as His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at the teaching ground this morning. He waved to the audience, greeted those sat around the throne and took his seat. He advised the monks sitting in the front rows to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13538"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13538"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13538\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13540,"href":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13538\/revisions\/13540"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13538"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13538"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sangye.it\/dalailamanews\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}