His Holiness begins four-day Uma Rinchen Trengwa teaching

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, August 29: His Holiness the Dalai Lama began a four-day teaching today at Tsug-lag-Khang, the main temple in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala.

The teaching is being held at the request of several groups from Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam today

Around 5000 devotees, largely from Southeast Asian countries gathered today to attend the first day of the four-day teaching on 2nd Chapter of Nagarjuna’s the Precious Garland of the Middle Way (Uma Rinchen Trengwa) to be held over Aug 29 to Sept 1.

14111595_1243693705675037_638986738_nThe Tibetan spiritual leader began by greeting devotees gathered at the teaching and applauded them for their devotion towards Buddhism as the congregation has expanded and become more frequent over the years.

Pali being the language of much of the earliest extant literature of Buddhism which was later translated to Sanskrit, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, “those who studied the Buddhist texts in Pali are senior students of the Buddha Dharma.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama further highlighted the importance of introduction to Buddhism as it assists us in relating to and properly practicing Buddhism.

Although His Holiness the Dalai Lama has already taught the 1st Chapter of the Uma Rinchen Trengwa during a similar teaching given to the group last year and he is to proceed from the 2nd Chapter, he decided to start all over again as many of the devotees are attending the teaching for the first time. “Every one here has Uma Rinchen text, don’t restrict it to the altar. Read, study and use it as a text book,” His Holiness stressed.

“A happy mind paves way for a healthy and lengthy life,” His Holiness said and urged every one to contribute in creating peace, harmony and happiness in their home and community at large.

His Holiness will teach Uma Rinchen Trengwa from 8:30 – 11:30 am till Aug 31 and a sutra (to be decided by His Holiness) initiation as requested by the Southeast Asian devotees.

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