Leh, Ladakh, J&K,
Thousands of Buddhists monks are attending a four-day religious congregation, which commenced on Saturday.
In his inaugural sermon, the Dalai Lama highlighted the basic principles of Buddhism, which he termed as a faith that stands for wisdom, compassion, peace and brotherhood.
He underlined the importance of spiritual development of mankind particularly in the present time.
There has to be openness, truth and compassion, he added, saying the strife-torn world needs the message of peace and progress now more than ever before, the Dalai Lama asserted.
The participants feel that the presence of the Dalai Lama in the Buddhist majority Leh was a boon for the region.
'The people here are fortunate to listen to the sermons delivered by the Dalai Lama. He gives sermon in simple language and people easily understand him. His coming to this place itself is a great blessing for us,' said Tsewang Rigzen, a Buddhist monk.
A good number of foreigners and also tourists are attending the congregation.
