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His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Chenrezig empowerment, Livorno, Italy, June 15, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrapped up his visit to Italy with two days of well attended public events on June 14-15 at Modigliani Forum in Livorno.
On the morning of June 14, His Holiness spoke on how on a basic level all human beings are the same. “His Holiness then remembered the great contributions from the learned scholars of Nalanda University in India such as Shantarakshita, Kamalashila and Dharmakirti,” DalaiLama.com reported. “He said that Nalanda was not just a monastery but a great learning center. He expressed happiness that Tibetans have kept the Nalanda tradition alive having translated all major Nalanda teachings and commentaries into Tibetan. Buddhists from all around the world including China, Sri Lanka and Burma have shown recognition of this work and now many Buddhists are discussing and studying Buddhist philosophy.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the afternoon teaching with Fabrizio Palliotti interpreting, Livorno, Italy, June 15, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.
In the afternoon, His Holiness spoke to a gathering of more than 200 Tibetans and then taught in the larger main venue on Nagarjuna’s “Letter to a Friend” and Tsongkhapa’s “Praise of Dependent Origination.”
Children asking questions at end of His Holiness’ talk, Livorno, Italy, June 15, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.
On June 15, His Holiness offered a Chenrezig empowerment during the morning session. In the afternoon, he gave a talk on “Compassionate Ethics,” attended by more than 6,000 people. The talk was followed by an hour-long question and answer period.
“Lama Zopa Rinpoche concluded the program with thanks to His Holiness for blessing Lama Tzong Khapa Institute with his presence and he also thanked all concerned for making His Holiness’s visit a success. The Director of Lama Tzong Khapa Institute Mr. Fillipo [Scianna] thanked His Holiness for the teachings, the Avalokitesvara Empowerment and his public talk on compassionate ethics. His Holiness then offered scarves to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Mr. Fillipo and all the interpreters,” reported DalaiLama.com.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama offering a khata to Filippo Scianna, director of Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Livorno, Italy, June 15. Photo by Olivier Adam.
In total, His Holiness spent a week in Italy, participating in events organized by Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK), the FPMT center located in Tuscany region of Italy. During the visit, His Holiness spent several days at ILTK in the village of Pomaia, where he gave a talk and blessed a restored Chenrezig statue. Filmmakers have documented the visit in many beautiful short videos available on the Dalai Lama Italy YouTube channel.
VIDEO: Day 5 of His Holiness’ Visit to Italy
“I had a very memorable visit here in Italy. It is now time to say goodbye, not just to Italy, but to this heat,” His Holiness said, as reported by DalaiLama.com. “We are separating for the time being but in spirit we are together. We will remain friends until our death. Everyone please realize that the ultimate source of our happiness is within oneself, and does not depend on outside sources. So please pay more attention to inner moral values. Please keep this in mind.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama descending from throne, Livorno, Italy, June 15, 2014. Photo by Olivier Adam.
His Holiness traveled next to Leh, Ladakh, in mountainous northern India. His Holiness will be conferring the Kalacharkra initiation in July in Ladakh.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche also was present for the events with His Holiness and remains in Italy through the end of the month. Rinpoche is attending the FPMT European Regional Meeting, which is taking place June 17-18 at ILTK, and will also give teachings there on June 28-29.
For more detailed news on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s activities, visit His Holiness’ website at DalaiLama.com. You can also read Mandala’s coverage of His Holiness. Visit Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa online at www.iltk.org/en.
Mandala brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read on Mandala, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.