Reportage – 2005

Buddhism is the Pride of Tibet: Dalai Lama

DHARAMSHALA, India, 8 December 2005

The Dalai Lama speaking at Dolma Ling nunnery

Buddhism could perhaps be identified as what Tibetans can be proud of, the Dalai Lama said while addressing the public at the inaugural function of Dolma Ling nunnery.

"If Tibetans are proud, they should be so because of Buddhism. What else do we have?" the Dalai Lama said.

However, he warned that Buddhism is not about big monasteries and monks chanting in them. "Buddhism is about understanding what Buddha taught and to take example from the great masters of Nalanda," he added.

"Nalanda is known for its great scholars, not for any other trivial rituals. It will be sad if monasteries and nunneries become merely a source of livelihood for people in them."

A doctorate degree in Buddhist philosophy for nuns will also become possible in the near future. Announcing this, the Dalai Lama said, the department of Religion and Culture of the Tibetan government-in-exile is devising the plan to offer this degree for nuns. So far this degree, Geshe in Tibetan, had been reserved only for monks.

He also emphasised on the importance of modern scientific education among Tibetans.