Dalai Lama meets Tibetan students in Bylakuppe

Friday, September 03, 2010

Phayul
By Tenzin Tsering
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Bylakuppe, September 3: “You students are the young generation of Tibet who will continue the legacy of the older generation. It is essential to grow up as a Tibetan with sound Tibetan culture and values,” said His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a meeting with the students of three Tibetan schools here on his last day in the Tibetan settlement today.

Children and staff from the SOS TCV school, Central School for Tibetans (CST) and Cauvery Valley Project school (CVP) gathered at the TCV school’s playground this morning to get a glimpse and blessings of the Tibetan leader.

The Tibetan leader said that the establishment of schools in India with assistance from the host country was one of the most important steps taken after being displaced by the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

“Tibetan Buddhism only is not enough. We would have set up only monasteries if that had been the case. Modern education is a significant requirement. Separate schools for the Tibetans were set up so that both Tibetan culture and modern education can be taught,” said the Dalai Lama.

Also present were several Tibetan college students who the Tibetan leader said were in the prime of their lives and should apply good judgment in the choices they make in the different environments.

“Your young minds are at risk of distraction in the new environmental set up of the cities. Do not get carried away and distracted. You as Tibetans have more responsibility than the others. Contribute your efforts towards becoming successful Tibetan individuals who can help the Tibetan cause.” the Dalai Lama added.

Speaking to the teachers and administrative staff of the three schools, His Holiness made a special mention to the Indian teachers thanking them for educating the Tibetan students.

“Teachers should also look at imbibing virtues of moral values and compassion in their teachings to realize a more holistic upbringing of the students,” added the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness had some light moments with the children numbering in thousands when he challenged the children to beat him in saying the mantra of Manjushri, the Buddhist god of wisdom, om ara baza na di di at one go.

The Dalai Lama also visited Tashi Lhunpo and Namdroling monasteries today before heading for Bangalore.