Sanatan Dharma says life is not a problem to be solved
In one hymn (Rig Veda 3.3.1), there is a suggestion of gods being aware of the eternal (sanata) framework of rituals that creates stability. This indicates a belief that the rituals were seen as eternal, even performed by the gods, and so you have to keep performing them to keep order and rhythm in the world. Later, ritual belief turned into a more intellectual idea.
The word 'dharma' and phrase 'sanatan dharma' became more important in the 2,000-year-old Mahabharata. By this time, even Buddhist and Jain scriptures were referring to their way (Buddha-Vachana, Jina-vani) as sanatan dharma which is the eternal path shown by the Buddhas and the Tirthankars.
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India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
Kalchakra Monastery in Siliguri celebrates Dalai Lama's 90th birthday with spiritual, humanitarian events
Siliguri (West Bengal) [India], July 6 (ANI): The Kalchakra Monastery at Salugara in West Bengal's Siliguri became a focal point for global celebrations on Sunday as the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Organisation marked the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama with grandeur and reverence. Chief Secretary Sanam Lama of the organisation highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, 'Every year we do this, but this is his 90th birthday; that is why we are grandly celebrating his birthday.' The festivities, which began on Saturday, included a free eye check-up camp, emphasising the blend of spiritual and humanitarian activities during the celebrations. 'There are many programmes in this celebration. Yesterday, we opened a free eye check-up camp... We have celebrated his birthday by doing traditional rituals with all the monks coming here,' Lama said. The Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala today with an address focusing on the values of compassion, service, and the Bodhichitta way of life. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, along with other dignitaries and well-wishers, attended the celebration there. The Chief Secretary, Sanam Lama, also addressed the global resonance of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday and expressed delight at his expected announcement on his reincarnation. 'Not only are we, people from across the world, celebrating his birthday with great enthusiasm... It is a happy moment for us as he announced his reincarnation and how the process will be going,' he stated. Earlier on Wednesday, the Tibetan Spiritual Leader stated that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a foundation established by him, can only recognise future reincarnations, and no one else has the authority to decide on the matter. The Chief Secretary also stated that China was 'unhappy' with the spiritual leader's decision; however, he noted that this was their tradition and that no one can 'change' it. 'China might be unhappy, but this is our tradition that has been in place for the past 1,000 years, and no one can change it. Every Buddhist organisation around the world is supporting his decision,' Lama asserted. On Wednesday, as the Dalai Lama left the decision of his successor to the Gaden Phodrang, leaving no role for the Chinese, Penpa Tsering Sikyong, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, said that the Tibetan people will never accept China's usage of reincarnation for political gain. Sikyong said the Chinese government is systematically working to erase Tibetan identity by targeting its language and religion, core pillars of its cultural heritage. Earlier today, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Dharamshala with an address focusing on the values of compassion, service, and the Bodhichitta way of life. Speaking before a gathering at the Tsuglagkhang temple, he reflected on his spiritual journey and urged everyone to follow a path of kindness and selflessness. (ANI)
Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘Have no pride or arrogance… will continue serving sentient beings': Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday
The 14th Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday on Saturday with a message of gratitude and reflection, addressing a gathering of dignitaries and followers at the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj. Expressing appreciation for the love and admiration he has received globally over the years, the Tibetan spiritual leader emphasised themes of service, humility, and spiritual commitment. 'Today, all my friends — I wish to say that it is my 90th birthday celebration and you have happily and with great excitement gathered here and with joy in your heart, very strong joy in your heart, you have gathered here,' he said in a brief address. 'I would like to thank you all.' The Dalai Lama noted that his life had been guided by a deep sense of connection with all sentient beings. 'As far as I am concerned, I have a human life. And as humans, it is quite natural for us to have love for each other and help one another,' he said. 'Particularly, since we come from a country where Buddhism, religion, spirituality has spread, there's a strong sense of brotherhood among us.' Known for his advocacy of Bodhichitta, the Dalai Lama said the practice had shaped both his life and his reputation. 'The more number of people gather and the more joy expressed from their heart, I also feel inspired. Because I practice Bodhichitta, the spirit of enlightenment,' he said. 'Instead of focussing on selfish goals to get people's admiration, my focus had been on serving others, holding others dearer than myself. It has really helped me to gather people around me and get their admiration. So, Bodhichitta is very powerful.' (The Dalai Lama practices and strongly advocates for Bodhichitta, which is the mind of enlightenment and the aspiration to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. He emphasizes that Bodhichitta is the essence of all Buddhist teachings and a key to personal and collective well-being). Reflecting on his life, the Dalai Lama said he had no regrets. 'I would not have to regret my death. I would rather die very peacefully,' he said. 'I am now 90… When I reflect on my life in retrospect, I see that I have not wasted my life at all. But, as having the title of Dalai Lama, I have no pride or arrogance.' 'As a follower of Buddha, as a Bhikshu, monk, my main practices had been to serve people, the public and to serve the teachings of the Buddha,' he continued. 'I live my life in the service of other sentient beings. With this motivation for the welfare of others, the more I do this, the greater positive response I get from others.' In closing his remarks, the Dalai Lama acknowledged the spirit in which attendees had gathered. 'They have not come out of obligation, but out of a deep sense of reverence and respect to me and joy, so I would like to thank you all.' The birthday celebration drew dignitaries from around the world. Penpa Tsering, Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration, welcomed guests, including Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, diplomats from the US Department of State and US Embassy, as well as representatives from Italy, the Czech Republic, Germany, and others. He also acknowledged a delegation of 'Chinese friends from USA'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered greetings on social media, writing, 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths.' Three former US presidents — Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George Bush — sent birthday greetings. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also issued a statement, saying, 'The United States extends best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace and compassion.' Rubio reaffirmed US support for Tibetan rights, stating, 'We support efforts to preserve Tibetans' distinct, linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.' Actor and longtime Tibet advocate Richard Gere also spoke at the celebration. 'What a joyous day this is,' Gere said. Describing the Dalai Lama as 'one of the most extraordinary persons who have walked on this planet ever,' he added, 'My own life has been a typical western life… We have never seen anything such like this — complete love, compassion and wisdom.' Gere, chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, said that although he had grown up Christian, it was through the Dalai Lama that he came to understand the full depth of compassion and wisdom. 'HH does not belong to the Tibetans only anymore, he belongs to the world. He belongs to the universe,' he said.
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Business Standard
19 hours ago
- Business Standard
Dalai Lama turns 90, urges compassion and peace in birthday message
On the eve of his 90th birthday, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, shared a message of gratitude, urging people to practise compassion, human values, and religious harmony. Describing himself as 'just a simple Buddhist monk' who does not celebrate birthdays, the Dalai Lama acknowledged global celebrations in his honour and appreciated efforts focused on altruism, kindness, and peace. In his message posted on X, the Dalai Lama said: 'On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism.' He reiterated his modest identity, adding: 'I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organising events focused on my birthday, I wish to share some thoughts. While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone.' 'Will continue to serve the world through compassion and harmony' The Dalai Lama reaffirmed his lifelong commitments to promoting human values and religious harmony and to easing suffering globally. 'As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion,' he said. He also reflected on his spiritual source of strength: 'I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva.' Celebrations in Dharamshala, successor decision confirmed The message was released as celebrations began in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, ahead of the spiritual leader's birthday. It comes shortly after the 14th Dalai Lama confirmed that the centuries-old institution of the Dalai Lama would continue beyond his lifetime. In a statement issued on July 1, he affirmed that the authority to decide his successor lies solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the official office of the Dalai Lama. Birthday wishes pour in Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama on Sunday, calling him 'an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline.' 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday,' PM Modi wrote on X. 'He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.' The United States also extended greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader, praising his enduring message of unity and peace. In an official statement, the US reaffirmed support for the Tibetan cause, stating: 'The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans. We support efforts to preserve Tibetans' distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.'
