DHARAMSHALA: The first seminar of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon tradition organised by the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, began yesterday at the Gyuto Tantric monastery near here.
Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, former Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche and Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, deputy speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, graced the opening ceremony of the three-day seminar. Other dignitaries present at the ceremony include members of Tibetan Parliament, Religion and Cultural Secretary Dhondup Dorje and Additional Secretary Lungtok.
Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, in his speech at the ceremony, emphasised the importance of religious harmony and the need to cultivate warm heartedness towards all irrespective of religious backgrounds.
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama repeatedly emphasises the importance of religious harmony, not just within Tibetan Buddhism, but also with other religious traditions of the world,” Sikyong said.
He reaffirmed the need for the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon tradition to focus on a more holistic approach to help all sentient beings.
Sikyong also expressed his indignation at the violence that is being carried out in the name of religion across the globe.
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, in his address, gave a brief account of the historical background of Buddhism in Tibet. He spoke about the tireless efforts of the Tibetan kings and Indian sages who have worked to spread Buddha’s teaching in Tibet and other parts of the world.
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche also asserted that the purest form of Buddha’s teaching is currently preserved only in the Tibetan language. Therefore, he urged the public to preserve this jewel, i.e Tibetan language, to sustain the spread of Buddhism and Tibetan religious heritage.
Over 127 monks and nuns from diverse schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion are taking part in the seminar.
The objective of the seminar is to foster the preservation and progression of Tibetan Buddhism, and to affirm harmonious relations between the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion.