by Gail Birnbaum, Snow Lion

From July 25-27, His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Bloomington, Indiana to lay the cornerstone for the Tsong Kha Sanctuary at the Tibetan Cultural Center. During his visit, he also gave a public lecture at Indiana University and a dharma teaching on Aspirational Bodliicitta at the Tibetan Cultural Center.

His Holiness began the dharma teaching by discussing the various motivations for generating altruism and kindness toward others. He then discussed how the wisdom consciousness realizing emptiness removes afflictive emotions and contaminated actions.

The audience was invited to take aspirational vows for the development of bodhicitta. The Dalai Lama stressed that one should practice sincerely, with effort, determination, patience, and the intention to be a good example for others.

Near the beginning of the talk the Dalai Lama invited Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin, formerly abbot of Namgyal Monastery in Dharasala and and presently abbot of Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, NY, to join him on the platform.

The teaching was followed by a personal address given to His Holiness by Thubten J. Norbu, The President of the Tibetan Cultural Center and the elder brother of the Dalai Lama.

Speaking emotionally in Tibetan, Dr. Norbu described the relationship that he and His Holiness shared both in their previous and present incarnations. He expressed his profound gratitude and joy both with regard to the presence of His Holiness and the dedication by His Holiness of the Tsong Ka Sanctuary. During Dr. Norbu's address, all of the Tibetan monks and nuns present were visibly moved, with many of them wiping tears of gratitude and sorrow from their eyes. Dr. Norbu, after concluding his address, prostrated himself three times on the gravel path before his brother, despite His Holiness motioning for him to stop.

Above right: The Dalai Lama at a press

conference at the University of Indiana.

Middle right: Tree Planting Ceremony on

University campus.

Lower right: Giving Teaching on

Aspiring Bodhichitta.

Lower left: Greeting a student, m