An interesting little article from
Phayul.com:
Be a 21st Century Buddhist, Dalai Lama Tells Followers [Friday, July 18, 2008 09:40]
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 | | The Dalai Lama acknowledges greetings and respects before teaching Four Noble Truths. Photo:Kalsang Rinchen |
New York, July 17, 2008 – The Dalai Lama said that it is important to preserve one’s own traditions and culture but it is wrong to close door to the outside world. He said that one should strive to become a 21st century Buddhist with both traditional values and modern education.
The 73 year old Tibetan leader was giving a teaching today on the Lord Buddha's Four Noble Truths at the sold-out Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The Dalai Lama told a crowd of about 6000 people that there is no escape from physical depreciation of one’s body but there are ways to train one’s mind in order to attain enlightenment. The Dalai Lama said that merely inviting a religious preacher and getting blessings will not help but the transformation of one’s mind will.
The Dalai Lama appreciated the ‘genuine interest’ in Buddhist tradition shown by the people of Himalayan region. The Tibetan spiritual and temporal leader lauded the people of Himalayan region for their unwavering faith in Buddha Dharma and Buddhist tradition.
The Himalayan Buddhist Community of New York comprises of organizations of people from Chum, Dolpo, Gyalsumdo, Manang, Nupri, Mustang, Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Walung and Yolmo. All these peoples live in Nepal today, and have close religious and cultural ties with the Tibetans. The Dalai Lama called Nepalese people and Tibetans ‘twin bother and sister’. |
It's good to see the Dalai Lama dispelling some of the mythic/magical elements of Buddhism. I'm sure that those who hold those beliefs won't give them up, but if they focus more on mind training, there's a better chance of their evolving.
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