Interdependence is the antidote to destructive emotions: Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya – Phayul

By Tenzin Sangmo



Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama talks to media outside the Mahabodhi temple, Bodh Gaya, Dec. 17, 2018, OHHDL photo


DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 17: His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Bodhgaya yesterday for three days’ teaching at the end of the month and to preside over a three – day debate on Jey Tsongkhapa’s Dra-ngey lekshay nyingpo organized by the Kirti monastery. 


The Tibetan leader will attend the debate that will be participated by scholars from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism including the Gaden Tripa, Sharpa Choeje and Jhangpa Choeje from December 19 – 21, 2018.

He was formally welcomed by the main thousands of devotees on his way from Gaya airport to Gaden Phelgyeling monastery. He visited the Mahabodhi Temple this morning where he sat down in front of the Buddha Shakyamuni statue and recited prayers with the monks.



From December 28 to December 30, His Holiness will give teachings on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva (laklen sodunma) and Dharmakirti’s Pramanavartika – Commentary on Valid Cognition (tsema namdrel).



Talking to the media outside, he said although all major world religions carry the same message of love, forgiveness and tolerance, Buddhism is unique on the philosophical level as it encourages investigation. 



His Holiness stressed on Buddha’s teaching on interdependence. “Everything is interdependent, nothing exists independently although objects do appear to be independent. It is an antidote to destructive emotions. Positive emotions are based on reasons that we can further develop through training. Destructive emotions have no proper base; it’s just emotions.”



A long life offering for His Holiness will take place on December 31.

It was noted that security has been strengthened by the state government this time.



His Holiness is slated to be back in Dharamshala on 9th January. He is going to visit Bodhgaya again in February 2019.




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