The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has set an annual program for next 20 years on Friday saying that he will live at least till then. During the live streaming his teaching on cultivating the awakening mind on Friday, His Holiness directed the Tibetan Buddhist learning centres to plan this as an annual ritual for next 20 years.
During the introductory remarks from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he explained that he felt it could be beneficial if we carried out the ceremony of Cultivating the Awakening Mind on this auspicious day in memory of Gautam Buddha’s grace. His Holiness further advised the Tibetan Buddhist learning centres including the three main centres of Drepung, Gaden and Sera to hold this ceremony every year. He added that he will also be present for the annual program at least for next twenty years or so.
While beginning his teaching, His Holiness explained that that developing compassion is the best way to follow the Buddha and repay his kindness to us. And along with compassion it’s important to cultivate an understanding of emptiness. He further explained that they all cultivate bodhichitta together in the spirit that all are same.
“Imagine Buddha Shakyamuni in front of you in person. Around him are other great upholders of the doctrine such as Nagarjuna and the Seventeen Masters of Nalanda. We still have their books, which we can read, and gain experience of what they wrote. Our principal offering to them is to read their works, analyse what they mean and integrate that understanding within ourselves. Also present in front of you imagine Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Arya Tara, embodiments of compassion, wisdom and enlightened activity respectively, along with Maitreya and Kshitigarbha.”, His Holiness the Dalai Lama taught on the live streaming attended by thousands of devotees from across the world.
The spiritual leader’s teaching on the Ceremony for Generating Bodhichitta (semkye in Tibetan), which would help cultivate and awaken your minds lasted for approximately half an hour. Saka Dawa which is currently being observed by Buddhist this month is the month that aims at honouring Buddha’s life as during month from Lunar Calendar, Gautam Buddha was born, achieved enlightenment as well as passed away.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be turning 85 next month and he has earlier announced that he is in excellent health. His schedules are being limited by his office so as to ensure sufficient time is available for resting in this advanced age. Earlier the spiritual leader assured that he will live to around 110 years.