I like this article purely because I can sort of read between the lines and perhaps I am wrong in my views or perceptions but it is interesting to note that from what HHDL says, one could read into into it as much as one wants and as such come up with various conclusions.
What the actual message is perhaps a combination of all conclusions. What I am illustrating here is we all choose to believe what we want to hear based on our own conclusions. Hence is the message in itself wrong or is the understanding/interpretation of the message the problem?:
June 21st 2012
London, England, 21 June 2012 - At the Friends House, London, this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with the 600 strong Tibetan community living in England. He advised them,
“Wherever you find yourselves, you should always try to be honest. Tibetans are well-mannered by nature and custom, which is something to be proud of and to keep up.”
I find this to be a huge hint to the Tibetans on how to deal with the Dorje Shugden ban and the constraints it poses. This sentence reads to me like this (with some humour added): "Whichever side you are taking at the moment, be true to your motivation and do not create more disharmony through lies. Stop outward displays of aggression (perhaps not keep setting yourselves on fire!) and stand your ground as peace loving people".
He praised the qualities of the Tibetan language, remarking that in today’s world people have developed a high regard for Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and what was translated mostly from Sanskrit and is now preserved in Tibetan is the richest, most thorough collection of Buddhist literature to be found anywhere. He said Buddhist teachings contain excellent means for training the mind. Recently, scientists have begun to appreciate the potential Buddhist contribution to creating a map of the mind.
I believe HHDL is trying to inject self worth into Tibetans in general. To feel a sense of pride as a nation and as a race and to stand united through similarities and not focus on the differences (Dorje Shugden practice perhaps?).
“It is very important to be self-disciplined and to help others. Don’t just say you’re a Buddhist, do something about it. Take whatever chance you can to study. Drom tonpa said that the best Lama is the scriptures, but knowledge by itself isn’t a lot of use, you need to put it into effect.”
This is what I believe HHDL is saying: "Be more disciplined and stop "misbehaving". Study and contemplate why... don't just "hear" the words but actually "understand" and "realize" what is being said and then "act" accordingly (perhaps another reference to the Dorje Shugden ban?).
He explained that he has retired from his political responsibilities in order to strengthen Tibetan institutions, quoting a Tibetan saying to the effect that although the stupa has collapsed the core is still sound.
Now this I feel hits the nail right on the head... Basically for me, HHDL is saying, I stepped down so you guys can rise up even though it seems like everything is collapsing (sounds very much like the Dorje Shugden practice in relation to the ban?).
“Teach your children our language and study yourselves. But if you find it too difficult to read about Buddhism in Tibetan, read those books that are written in English. Merely reciting mantras is not enough.”
Do not just take things at face value... look deeper and find other ways to find the truth... (perhaps also in relation to why the ban on Dorje Shugden is in place?)
From the Friends House, His Holiness travelled to Aldershot, the town in Southern England that is known as ‘home to the British army’. There, members of the Ghurkha regiments past and present and their families, as well as a number of Mongolians, assembled at the Aldershot football ground.
“Brothers and sisters, I am happy to be here able to spend a little time with you, especially since the Mayor of Rushmoor is here too. It’s good that you keep up your own religious traditions and culture, related as they are to Tibetan Buddhism. Indeed this closeness to Tibetan traditions can be seen in the way you dress, your manner of welcome, and your khapse, which I have tasted; delicious.”
His Holiness distinguishes between Buddhist religion and culture. Buddhist culture is a culture of compassion and non-violence that is useful for individuals, families and communities.
Middle way approach perhaps when it comes to dealing with head on issues like the Dorje Shugden ban?
“What is Buddhism? It’s one of the world’s major religions, originating in India. The Buddha taught that all sentient beings have Buddha nature and therefore the potential to become Buddhas themselves and on this basis all beings are equal. The key to each of us becoming enlightened is whether we really make the effort. According to these great teachings from ancient India, if we help others and serve them, we derive benefit; if we harm others, by cheating, bullying or exploiting them, we hurt ourselves.”
I do not think I need any interpretation here as it is quite self explanatory and in your face! One would be blind not to see or deaf not to hear!
He said that the essence of Buddhism, to help others, but at least not to harm them can also be found in other religious traditions. Therefore, we should hold to our own faith while at the same time respecting everyone else’s. Finally, he remarked that as we are now in the twenty-first century, we need to be twenty-first century Buddhists, which means we should not only say prayers and recite mantras, we should also study. The more than 300 volumes of the Kangyur and Tengyur contain instructions about the science of mind, philosophy and religious practice.
Is there need to say more... I can clearly see HHDL pointing out the obvious here with regards to dealing with the Dorje Shugden issue and to respect each other's points of views.
“I’ll give you the transmission of the mantras of the Buddha, Avalokiteshvara and Guru Rinpoche, repeat them after me. Try to recite these every day and while doing so try not to think about money, but instead think of bodhichitta and shunyata.”
His Holiness was escorted round the ground to greet the people gathered in the stands before being offered lunch, a largely vegetarian meal specially prepared for him. As he drove to the nearby airport, the roads were lined with joyful, waving children.
Arriving in rain swept Edinburgh, His Holiness was received by the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh and several religious leaders, and welcomed by a crowd of well wishers.
Tomorrow, he will have a number of meetings in addition to a visit to the National Library of Scotland before giving a public talk at the Usher Hall and making a visit to the Scottish Parliament. In the afternoon, he is to give a talk in Dundee.
