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Become 21st century Buddhists: Dalai Lama

By Lobsang Wangyal

The Dalai Lama during a teaching session in Bodh Gaya, India, on 5 January 2010. An estimated 50,000 devotees have gathered for the teachings, which will go on till 9 Janary.Tibet Sun/Lobsang Wangyal/India

Kicking off a five-day teaching session on Buddhist philosophy in Bodh Gaya, the Dalai Lama asked his followers to become 21st century Buddhists.

In order for a person to become a good practioner, “studying” and “the proper understanding of the reality” are the keys, he said.

He particularly put stress on being a truthful person.

The Dalai Lama cited the November press conference of US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao as an example of lack of honesty and transparency.

“No questions were taken during the press conference by the presidents of China and the US from the media.”

“When there is untruthfulness, situation becomes difficult and questions cannot be taken out of fear.”

The Dalai Lama, the winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, asked people to take care of the environment, saying that it affects everybody everywhere. “There is no boundary for environment.”

An estimated 50,000 devotees are in attendance for the teachings. The Gaden Tripa and the Karmapa are among the most promiment figures among the attendees. Other noted personalities include actor and pro-Tibet activist Richard Gere.

The teachings will go on till 9 January, on which a long-life empowerment will be given by the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama, in turn, will be offered a long-life prayer.

Copyright © 2010 Tibet Sun

Published in Tibet Sun