In this 21st century, we have arrived in
difficult and degenerate times with the three poisons at their peak and lives
primarily focused outwards. However, even in such difficult times, I
believe that there are individuals, be it spiritual leaders of different
traditions, Nobel Peace laureates, scientists or other knowledgeable human
beings, who truly work for the well being of humanity. One such
individual that I know of is HIs Holiness
the Dalai Lama. I believe it is immensely precious for the
whole world to have such an individual as him amidst us.
We often talk about world peace,
environmental protection, religious harmony and so on. But if we truly
wish for such a place to live in, it is up to us to create such a place.
This is also why we must not only recognize and celebrate individuals who work
to facilitate a peaceful world and take their advice but must also meet with
such individuals to seek their compassionate guidance. I see this as
something of immense value. For instance, I cannot imagine what His
Holiness the Dalai Lama had to go through. He parted from his
native country and became a refugee but instead of dwelling on it, he altered
his situation completely. And instead worked steadfastly to promote his “Four
Commitments”. His first commitment, as a human being, is to promote world
peace. His second commitment, as a religious figure is to promote
religious harmony on this planet. His third commitment, as a Tibetan, is
to further the cause of Tibet. And finally, his fourth commitment is to revive
the ancient Nalanda tradition of India, where the teachings of
Buddha originated. His Four Commitments are extremely relevant to today’s
world and that is why I see them as extremely important.
As for me, I came from Tibet and have a
profound reverence for His Holiness. Back in Tibet, I used to frequently
dream of him, which may be because of some special past life connections with
him. After reaching India, I received many teachings from him, especially
on the Middle Way, Six Perfections, and on some very complex texts. His
Holiness with his knowledge and wisdom explained the complexities in these
texts so well that it amazed me and I developed a profound faith in him and his
teachings. This is the kind of faith after knowing a teacher extremely
well.
The point I am trying to make is that as long
as we wish for world peace, democracy and the well being of this world, it
would be a tremendous loss for us not see His Holiness and hear his
talks. This is so because of his first commitment to genuine world peace
born out of his own learning and life experiences. It would be an apparent
loss as human beings not to meet His Holiness while he is alive and therefore,
a huge loss to the world.
Secondly, as a Buddhist, we understand that
there are many characteristics that define a good teacher such as all levels of
discipline and a compassionate heart. Irrespective of one's view as
a Hinayana, Mahayana or Vajrayana, His Holiness
definitely encompasses all aspects of a good teacher. Therefore,
especially as a Buddhist, if one has not seen him, heard his teachings or
understood his knowledge and wisdom, it will truly be a tremendous loss.
Like the analogy of a good teacher to the contents of one vase being fully
poured into another, receiving everything without leaving anything in the
original vase. Likewise, receiving the same exact view as that of the teacher’s
like obtaining a mold, we must receive exactly the same knowledge,
understanding and wisdom of His Holiness while he is
alive. Buddha, through his many transmissions, said that in
degenerate times, he would manifest in this world in the form of a monk.
I have complete conviction in it even though it may sound like a story for
some. I truly believe that His Holiness is a manifestation of Buddha and
a Bodhisattva. Again, it will be a tremendous loss as Buddhists if
we are unable to receive His Holiness' instructions.
Thirdly, as a Tibetan Buddhist, it is
extremely essential to receive the teachings from His Holiness. If one
has received his teachings once, one must not be simply satisfied but receive
his spiritual and worldly advice again and again. His advice emphasizes
virtuous conduct and one must not feel quenched by receiving only one or two
teachings. Once received, one must also take heed to put such advice and
teachings into action and integrate them into our daily lives. All
tibetans revere His Holiness the Dalai Lama and hold on to his precious words
of wisdom as he is after all the father figure to 6 million tibetans inside and
outside of tibet. Since the 5th Dalai Lama up to the present 14th Dalai Lama,
the Dalai Lamas have been an important figure and symbol of Tibet and the
values it represents. Therefore it is very important for us Tibetans to keep
this samaya with the future Dalai Lamas for generations to come.
I recently went to India and received an
audience with His Holiness. I firmly believe that this was purely out of my
undeterred faith and reverence in him that I was able to receive such a
precious opportunity. I do not know if I possess all the qualities of a
good teacher. But I believe this opportunity was a result of the little I know
due to my faith and reverence for my teachers and complete surrender to
them.
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