Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, 15 June 2011
(By Tsering Kyinzom Dhongdue) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama spent the
day at Chenrezig Institute, one of the first Buddhist centres in the
western world. He admired the centre's serene location, and later
wandered through the green surroundings.
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A group of Aboriginal dancers greet
His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his arrival at Chenrezig Institute in
Queensland, Australia, on 16 June 2011. Photo/Rusty Stewart/DLIAL
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The highlight of his visit was the inauguration of
Garden of Enlightenment, an ornamental garden with eight stupas
depicting the Eight Great Deeds of Buddha's life. Over 3500 people
flocked to the Buddhist centre, nestled in the foothills of the Sunshine
Coast hinterland in Queensland, to see and hear His Holiness.
A group of Aboriginal dancers from the Gubbi Gubbi
tribe, the traditional owners of the land, greeted His Holiness with a
Welcome to Country performance. The topic for today's talk was
"Developing Compassion for Self and Others". Around 400 students from
the local school attended the ceremony, and had earlier workshopped on
questions to ask the Dalai Lama.
Time and again during his current tour to
Australia, His Holiness has showed his prowess as an unparalleled
thought leader as he tackled questions from the public with great
clarity and insight. One asked him what his greatest achievement in life
was. Much to every one's surprise, His Holiness answered, "My refugee
status is my greatest achievement." He reinforced his remark by sharing
his positive experiences and the contributions he was able to make to
humanity as a result of his life in exile.
Member of Parliament and a parliamentary friend of
Tibet Mr Peter Slipper and Sunshine Coast mayor Mr Bob Abbott also
attended the ceremony.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama with
members of Chenrezig Insitute in Queensland, Australia, on 16 June 2011.
Photo/Rusty Stewart/DLIAL
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Earlier in the day, His Holiness spoke to the
centre's 500 monks, nuns and lay members in its renovated gompa. He
said, "Although Australia is not a traditionally Buddhist country, many
here have found answers to some of their lives' fundamental questions
through Buddhism. Your genuine faith in your religion is tested by your
knowledge". A strong advocate of the Nalanda tradition of Buddha dharma,
His Holiness drew attention to the excessive use of rituals in Buddhist
practice and advised followers of Buddhism to study more and understand
the essence of Buddha's teachings.
Tibetan musician and Queensland local Tenzin Choegyal played his
music at the new, lush garden during the lunch break. A number of
Tibet-related stalls added to a festive atmosphere in this remote corner
of Australia.
