Education needs to be ethical, not material: Dalai Lama 

DIRANG, Apr 06: Tibetan Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday consecrated the Thupsing Dhargye monastery here through an elaborate Buddhist ritual.
The foundation stone of the monastery was laid by former CM Dorjee Khandu in 2007.
The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Governor PB Acharya, his wife, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, state Assembly Speaker T N Thongdok, Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin and other dignitaries.
Thousands of devotees clad in yellow robes thronged the venue to witness the consecration ceremony by their living god.
“I was destined to be here for this momentous occasion. It is more important to be a good human being than a mere Buddhist or adherent to any faith,” the Dalai Lama said in his address.
He said, “In our pursuit of individual goals, we must ensure well-being of the world and humanity.... It is essential to be educated. I insist on education of Lamas. But education needs to be ethical, not material.”
The Tibetan spiritual guru advised that people and lamas for proper and maximum utilization of the Monastery. It should be a centre for learning for all. He advised to conduct debate on every aspect for healthy growth and advancement. There must be lots of activities, he emphasized.
The Dalai Lama felicitated the people of Dirang and nearby villages for the monastery, which is one of its kind. Along with lamas, the common people are also taught Buddhist culture, traditions and values.
Welcoming Dalai Lama to the state, the governor said that the spiritual spirit and compassion that he disseminate would translate into positive energy and take the state towards path of eternal peace and development.
“You are the living God and Saint. Your presence has strengthened and inspired all,” the Governor added.
Acharya urged the spiritual leader to guide the achievers, young people and believers for an equitable advancement of every section of the society.
The governor later called on the Dalai Lama in the monastery and exchanged greetings and shared religious views.
Recalling his journey in March 1959, the Dalai Lama expressed his appreciation to the people of India and Arunachal Pradesh for 
the warm reception accorded to him. He said that India is the only country which combines modern education and technology to tackling destructive and negative forces.
The Dalai Lama further said that ancient Indian provides mental peace.
In the brief but poignant meeting, the governor also shared his views on Buddhism and Hinduism. Some 20000 devotees attended the Dalai Lama teachings on Geshe Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses of Training the Mind & Guru Yoga at the Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery.  The ceremony began with the recitation of Guru Yoga of Avalokiteshvara prayer. It was followed by the long live Mandala offering by Trulku Jigme Rabten of TDL Monastery and Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Phurpa Tsering. The Dalai Lama offered teachings on Guru Yoga of Avalokiteshvara. The sadhanas includes visualizations that inspire the development of compassion and wisdom.  Before engaging in these sadhanas, the Dalai Lama led the initiation ceremony of Avalokiteshvara retreats and recitation of the six-syllable mantra of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. These recitations are made to prepare the mind.
The organizers of the event made an “excellent arrangements,” with large screens set up for participants to view and hear the proceedings from a distance. Also sacred threads from the spiritual guru were distributed among all the devotees that attended the ceremony.  PTI