Dalai Lama urges people to practise Buddha’s teachings in daily life

Tibetan spiritual leader the 14^th Dalai Lama on Friday extended warm greetings to the global Buddhist community on the occasion of Vesak or Buddha Purnima, calling on followers to internalise and practise the teachings of the Buddha in their daily lives.

In his message marking the sacred day that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Gautama Buddha, the Dalai Lama said that although the world has undergone profound changes over the past 2,500 years, the essence of the Buddha’s teachings remains deeply relevant.

He highlighted the principles of compassion, non-violence, and the understanding of dependent arising as timeless guides to addressing the challenges of modern society.

“His profound insight into dependent arising, and his call to harm no one and to help all beings, remain the most compassionate and practical guide for living in our troubled times,” said the Dalai Lama.

Encouraging people to become “21^st-century Buddhists,” the Dalai Lama called on followers to go beyond ritual and actively engage with the teachings through study, reflection, and practice.

This entails listening and reading, reflecting deeply on what one has heard or read, and making oneself thoroughly familiar with it, he said.

Referring to the celebration of the 2,570^th Buddha Jayanti, the Dalai Lama said the occasion serves as a reminder of the light that the Buddha brought into the world. He expressed hope that individuals would draw inspiration from these teachings to cultivate inner peace and extend compassion to others.

The Dalai Lama offered prayers and good wishes to Buddhists across the world on the occasion.