Lectures by the eminent Teacher — Geshe Lharampa Jagba Gyatso — have begun at the Central Khurul

The day before, lectures by the eminent Teacher — Geshe Lharampa Jagba Gyatso — began at the Central Khurul. At the invitation of the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, and within the framework of an arrangement with Drepung Gomang Monastery, Geshe Jagba has once again returned to us to share his invaluable knowledge and to lead all who wish along the path of the Dharma.

Yesterday the lecture began with a central idea: the path to our happiness lies through working with our own mind. The Teacher emphasized that happiness must be sought not in external circumstances, but within ourselves.

On this path, the first serious obstacle is anger and various afflictions. They prevent us from seeing clearly what is happening and from making the right decisions. Geshe Jagba did not call for fighting against them; he taught us simply to notice when such states arise and not to let them immediately govern our words and actions. The very fact of such observation already changes a great deal: an opportunity appears to stop and think. Out of this habit an understanding of the law of cause and effect is naturally born: everything we do has consequences. Being aware of this, we more often choose patience, kindness, and care.

During the meeting, the venerable Geshe Jagba once again reminded all those gathered of the main essence of the Buddha’s Teaching: not to cause harm to others. And in this simplicity there is enormous power. When we remember that another person or another living being, just like myself, also wishes to be happy and does not wish to suffer, it becomes easier for us to be more attentive and kinder.

Today the lectures will continue. They begin at 15:00, in the conference hall of the Central Khurul. Today the Teacher will give commentary on the book recently published by our khurul — the “Collection of Instructions” by the great Buddhist philosopher Je Kuntang Tenpi Dronme