Dalai Lama begins teachings for Mongolians

By Phuntsok Yangchen

His Holiness the Dalaia Lama gestures as he arrives for the start of teachings for Mongolians, Tsuklakhang, Dec. 2, 2014 Phayul Photo : Kunsang Gashon

DHARAMSHALA, December 2: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama today began four-day teachings on Tsongkhapa’s “Great Stages of the Path”at Tsugla khang, the main temple in Dharamshala.

The teachings were requested by a group of Mongolians. Around four thousand people from 48 countries including 700 Mongolians are attending the teachings that is due to conclude on Dec 5. 

Describing the relationship between Tibet and Mongolia before the start of the teachings, His Holiness said, "Earlier in Asia, China, Tibet and Mongolia shared a long history. Tibet and Mongolia have a special relationship. Not only the two countries had same religious faith in Buddhism, but I think we also share similar customs and traditions.”

A Mongolian woman raises her Khata (wellwishing scarf) as His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives for the start of teachings for Mongolians, Tsuklakhang, Dec. 2, 2014 Phayul Photo : Kunsang Gashon

His Holiness explained the background of the name "Dalai Lama", a Mongolian name, he said, “The 3rd Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso visited Mongolia and made a good relation. That’s how the word ‘Dalai’ came. When people asked me for an autograph, I signed Dalai Lama and then when they asked me for meaning, I say, Dalai is a Mongolian word.”

The title ‘Dalai Lama’ meaning Ocean of Wisdom was offered to the 3rd Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso by the Mongolian King Altan Khan and in return, the Dalai Lama conferred on Altan Khan the title of Brahma, the King of religion.

“Because the 3rd Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso has Gyatso (Meaning Ocean in Tibetan) in his name, I think this is why he was called Dalai (meaning ocean in Mongolian) Lama,” His Holiness added.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama also commended the Mongolian disciples for the translation of Lamrim Chenmo into Mongolian language.

Live webcasts of the teachings from December 2-5, 2014 is available here. His Holiness will be speaking in Tibetan with English, Chinese, Hindi, Vietnamese, Mongolian and Russian language translations available.

On the last day of the teachings, His Holiness will also confer the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment.

From December 12-14, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Rome, Italy to attend the 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace laureates which was chosen after South African government refused visa for the Tibetan leader. 

He will then continue his teachings on the 18 Great Stages of the Path (Lam Rim)Commentaries in Mundgod at the request of Ling Choktrul Rinpoche and Gaden Sharte Monastery from December 23- 29.

Source:http://www.phayul.com/