Buddhist teachings - Geshe Tenzin Namdak
In continuation with the Buddhist teachings at Shikshantar, Geshe Tenzin Namdak visited the school to share his wisdom with the children of Classes IV and VIII on the themes of ‘Understanding Karma through the Three Doors: Body, Speech, and Mind’ and ‘The Power of Perspective: Shifting from ‘Me’ to ‘We’’. Geshe Namdak spoke on the value of translating our positive thoughts into meaningful action and the endless joy to be found in service to the community. The children eagerly engaged in the practical application of the teachings into their daily lives.
Geshe Namdak began by speaking of his life before turning to Buddhism. In response to a child’s question about his life as a college student, he shared how his many struggles led him to pursue a path to true happiness. Through self-discovery, he learned that to gain happiness, it is important to have good relationships with those around us. This journey begins with improving oneself and becoming a kinder human being that translates into empathetic action. Tying it into the concept of karma, Geshe la gave the analogy of watering a seed. A kind deed is like the water that promotes the growth of the seed of peacefulness in our minds. Creating a positive atmosphere is like the soil and sunlight that supplements our growth as well as the growth of those around us.
He suggested that the children develop a daily exercise of self-reflection. In the morning, they should resolve to be compassionate; as the day goes on, they should make a conscious effort to make a positive impact and at the end of the day, they should review all the good they were able to do for others. The happiness created through helping others can be infinite as it is like a ripple that spreads through the entire community while magnifying our own happiness.
The children were curious with many interested in how to take the first step. A child shared his difficulty in clearing his thoughts through meditation. This concern was voiced by a few more children who shared their difficulties with irritability and an inability to maintain concentration. Geshe Namdak suggested that one need not necessarily meditate. Being involved in an enjoyable activity like taking a walk or reading a book is a good start. Another child asked if there was anything wrong with enjoying songs, movies and books. Geshe la answered that one is free to enjoy what they like but one must be careful not to develop an unhealthy attachment.
To end the session, the children shared their thoughts on empathy and inner wisdom, having read books in the classroom like ‘The Big Panda and the Tiny Dragon’.