(TibetanReview.net, May22, 2018) – The Dalai Lama has on May 21 concluded a two-day interaction with a group of some 80 devotees from Vietnam who were business leaders, artists, intellectuals and members of youth delegations, joined online by more than 500 others from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong. Venerable Thich Duc Thien, General Secretary of Vietnamese Sangha, was stated to be among those who took part.
On the first day, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet has bemoaned the fact that modern education system, as the source of intellectual nourishment, had neglected the basic human nature and its needs. “Our existing education system is very much oriented towards materialistic goals, and as a result, our way of life has been materialistic,” he was quoted as saying.
He has said that by paying attention to our inner well-being, we could bring peace in our individual lives as well as in communities and ultimately to the world.
“The 21st century should eventually become a century of peace, not through prayers but through training of the mind,” he has said.
He has said that while “technology is only for gathering information” “warmth and affection comes from human beings”. “Therefore if we cultivate the sense of oneness of humanity with the conviction that at the fundamental level, we are same human beings with same physical and emotional needs, we will be able to reduce the existing problems”.
On the second day, the Dalai Lama has given an hour-long teaching on how to achieve inner peace and contemplate the positive inner values.
“Positive emotions such as compassion and altruism bring us inner strength. Inner strength reduces fear and anxiety. On the other hand, destructive emotions such as anger and hatred bring fear and that destroys our peace of mind,” he was quoted as saying.
He concluded the teaching by giving a permission-initiation of the White Manjushri (Jamyang Karpo) to the devotees. He has explained that the White Manjushri had a special relevance with regard to developing Bodhicitta, and had significance in developing the view of emptiness.
This was stated to be the Dalai Lama’s fourth meeting with the group at his exile residence at Dharamshala, India.
