Dharamsala : As per the invitation proffered by the Institute of Gandhian Studies in Gopur, Wardha (MH), Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Ven. Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok recently spoke on Understanding Positive and Negative forces in Human Life and Religious Pathway to Overcome the Negativities from the Buddhist point of view on Jan 28, 2018.

He was greeted upon his arrival at the institute on Jan 27 by the institute’s staff members and met its Director Dr. Bharat Mahodaya, Secretary Dr. Siby Joseph and member Mr. Surender Kumar the next day. Thereafter, they visited Sevagram Ashram, Mahatma Gandhi’s ashram and residence from 1936 till his death in 1948.

Later in the evening of the same day at 2:30pm, with the onset of the inter-religious study course, Deputy Speaker greeted the participants on behalf of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and the Tibetan people all over the world. While addressing them on the necessity of restraining oneself from the negativities, he said, “Humans are mainly good and kind by nature and therefore, it is necessary to be kind, forgiving, compassionate and tolerant with right motivation on daily basis. One should believe and have faith in one’s religion and should respect their teachers. However, instead of following their teachings mindlessly, one should examine, assess and then follow those teachings. Buddhism is mainly related with motivations. Negativity can be dispelled if one engages in his work with the right motivation. If positive thought and attitude is made habitual, negativity can be overcome. Furthermore, helping other is more instrumental in overcoming negativity then pursuing one’s own happiness.”

He also lluminated and introduced the participants on the attainments and fundamental teachings of Lord Buddha respectively. The question-answer session between him and the participants began after the conclusion of his lecture.

Thereafter from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, he elucidated the participants on the historical relation between Tibet and India, current situation inside Tibet, various modes of campaigns for Tibet’s cause and issues globally, various Tibet Support Groups as well as on the World Parliamentarians Conventions on Tibet. He also entreated them to render their support to the cause of Tibet. He offered the Director, Secretary and the members of the teaching faculties of the institute a small memento each as a token of appreciation on behalf of Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat and distributed books and pamphlets on Tibetan struggle and self-immolations published by  both the Tibetan Parliament Secretarian and the Indo-Tibet Coordination Office.

Thereafter, at the Paurnam Ashram of Vinayak Narahari “Vinoba” Bhave, the late Indian advice of non-violence and human rights, Deputy Speaker Ven. Acharya Yeshi Phunstok met with the ashram’s Secretary Shri Gautam Baja and Shri Bal Vijay Bhai, Personal Assistant to the late Shri Acharya Vinoba Bhave. They recounted their fateful meetings with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and on their comprehensiveness of the Tibetan struggle. They requested him to correspond them with Tibet-related issues and assured him of their continued support to the Tibet’s cause and support.

He departed from Nagpur on Jan 29 and reached Dharamsala in the evening of the same day.