A clarification for English scholars preceded the Dalai Lama’s sermons at St Joseph’s College ground today.
Lamas, he said, were not “living Buddhas” as many westerners described them.
“A lama is not a living Buddha as some English scholars have described in their books. A lama is one who possesses great knowledge on the religion and can deliver sermons because he has a deep understanding of it.”
The second day of sermons today began from 9 am and the teachings included the Middle Stage of Meditation, 37 practices of a Bodisattva and Eight Verses of Training in Mind.
The Dalai Lama also spoke about death. “You can never run away from death,” he said as hundreds listened in silence.
“Everyone has to leave. I too have to leave some day. Not only the old, we have seen the young die, and even if one can be sure of death, it cannot be predicted. One leaves all possessions and takes only karma (good deeds) to the afterworld,” he said.
“I have always been saying this abroad. One should keep 50 per cent of the wealth one accumulates and reserve the rest for charity work,” His Holiness added. The leader further urged the people to do good during their lifetime.
The town today saw more Buddhist followers trickling in. Members of the Dharma Chakra Committee said most of the people were coming for Chenresig Initiations, scheduled for tomorrow and the day after.
Committee members, however, announced that the initiation had been scheduled for Saturday, the day the function will officially close.
The Dalai Lama will address intellectuals of Darjeeling at Gymkhana Club on Sunday.