His Holiness the Dalai Lama poses for photographs with students and faculty of EJM College, Leh. Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
Ladakh: His Holiness the Dalai Lama was invited to Eliezer Joldan Memorial (EJM) College, a government degree college in Leh. This is His Holiness’ first visit to the college. Addressing over 1500 students and staff gathered at the college auditorium, His Holiness spoke about the importance of oneness of humanity and the need to disregard differences among nationality, race and religion.
“The people of the 21st century have a responsibility to make themselves happier and the world more peaceful,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the students and faculty of EJM College, Leh. Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
Speaking about interdependency His Holiness said, “we all are all social animal and therefore depend on each other, just as Ladakh depends on Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir depends on India and India depends on its neighbors,”
His Holiness attributed the problems we face today to our tendency to divide people as ‘us’ versus ‘them.’
Referring to human beings bestowed with brain and intelligence and the capacity to communicate and receive education, His Holiness said we have the responsibility to promote the concept of mental hygiene that includes guidance about tackling negative stimulus and reaction.
His Holiness called for a holistic approach that balances the trappings of the material word with the moral values. Expressing his commitment to promoting the teachings of ancient Indian knowledge and wisdom, strictly as an academic endeavour, His Holiness said this kind of education is the need of the hour.
Responding to a question about the need for emotional learning in a social environment, His Holiness said that the only way to remain unaffected by different emotions and problems in the society is by developing a resolute, peaceful mind.
His Holiness said that difficult situations must be welcomed to test one’s ability to examine the situation from all angles just as patience and tolerance come handy when faced with situations that demands such virtues.
His Holiness further added that anger thwarts the freedom and ability to think critically and constructively. In line with discoveries by scientists, His Holiness said anger breeds fear and the acquiring of such destructive emotions weaken one’s immune system.
His Holiness stressed on the need to develop an inquiring mind in order to gain wisdom. “Prayer based on faith alone is not sufficient. A deeper knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of life and the external phenomenon is important,” said His Holiness.
Recounting his personal experiences His Holiness said, “when I was 16 I lost my freedom, when I was 24 I lost my country and subsequently, hundred thousands of Tibetans lost their lives. Through all these upheavals, I managed to maintain my inner peace and this is not necessarily because of my religious training but because of the training in Nalanda Tradition,” affirmed His Holiness.
Students of EJM College, Leh offer a traditional welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo: Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL