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His Holiness said traditionally countries like Korea and China are Buddhist and expressed his appreciation for the way the Koreans are seriously engaged in learning more about Buddhism. He said as common followers of Buddhism, he has always wanted to meet “fellow Buddhists” not only in South Korea but also other Buddhist countries such as Burma and Sri Lanka where he has never been before. “My last visit to Thailand, another Buddhist country, was in the 1960s but after that could not go there again,” he said with a soft chuckle. 

In his brief talk, he asked (the)Koreans to be 21st century Buddhist(s) by mastering modern scientific education as well as Buddhism. “Like great masters of the ancient Nalanda University, you must study and examine the Buddhist texts and practice the teachings in your daily life,” he said.

Referring to commentaries authored by Nalanda Indian masters, His Holiness stressed the importance of studying Nagarjuna’s commentary on the concept of emptiness and Chandakirti’s commentary on Nagarjuna’s works which is used as the main text by Tibetan Buddhist practitioners (in studying emptiness) . The latter’s work, he said, will be of immense help in understanding Buddhist Dialectics as well. He explained briefly the Buddhist concept of Clear Mind in generating compassion and practicing analytical meditation.

While handing over a gift of Nagarjuna’s scroll to a head priest of Korean Buddhists, His Holiness told the audience to become students of great Nalanda masters who had shown that Buddhist practitioners can incorporate scientific approach in their study of Buddha’s teachings. “I am 75 but I still study (the) texts by these great Buddhist professors,” he added.