His Holiness Begins Teachings for Chinese Buddhists from Taiwan

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives at the Tsuglagkhang, the main temple, to begin a five-day teaching series for Taiwanese Buddhists, in Dharamshala, on 30 September 2008.

Some 3, 500 devotees from around the world, including some 600 Chinese Buddhists from Taiwan, have thronged the Tsuglagkhang, the main temple, in Dharamshala, to attend a five-day teaching series by His Holiness.

Buddhists from Korea, Japan and Vietnam are also attending the teachings.

The five-day teaching is on "Arya Nagarjuna's Commentary on Bodhicitta (jangchup semdrel)" and "Kamalashila's The Middling Stages of Meditation (gomrim barpa)".

In his brief introductory address, His Holiness said as a Buddhist monk, his life-long commitment is to offer service of teaching the traditions of Buddhism to the people all over the world, especially to benefit the Chinese Buddhists in Mainland China.

Buddhists devotees from Taiwan listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teaching in Dharamshala.

Appreciating the Taiwanese people's commitment to attend the teachings despite their busy working schedules, His Holiness said he will pray and hope for a visit to Taiwan to give the teachings. His Holiness asked the Taiwanese Buddhists to pray and hope for the same.

His Holiness said while following any religion, including Buddhism, the practitioners should have a full understanding of the methods and concepts about that tradition, with a clear objective. So, giving an introduction on the Buddhism is very important, His Holiness added.

While talking to some Christians who are also attending the teachings, His Holiness said, Christian devotees' interest and devotion in Buddhism is "genuine" and are "borne out of investigation".

The five-day teaching will go on till 4 October.