Dalai Lama Shares Personal Encounter with Mao Zedong on Religion
The Dalai Lama recently narrated a significant historical moment to students in Karnataka. He recalled his meetings with Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong during a visit to Beijing.
Mao Zedong's Affectionate Yet Critical Stance
"When I visited Beijing and met Mao Zedong, he was quite affectionate towards me," the Dalai Lama told over 200 students. The interaction took place at the Drepung Gomang monastery in Karnataka on Saturday. The students were from Tibet House in New Delhi.
The Tibetan spiritual leader explained his focus during the meetings. "Since I consider peace of mind to be important, I tried to reveal that to him, and he seemed to appreciate it," he said.
The 'Religion is Poison' Statement
However, the final meeting took a different turn. "During our final meeting, Mao Zedong told me that religion is poison," the Dalai Lama revealed. He described his immediate reaction to this declaration.
"I kept quiet, but in my own mind I thought, 'In fact, the Communism they extol is poison!'" he shared with the attentive students. This internal response highlighted the philosophical divide between their perspectives.
Life in Exile and Spiritual Practice
The Dalai Lama also spoke about his experiences since coming into exile in India. "I visited many different places in this country," he noted. He observed consistent interest in his Buddhist teachings across India.
"Everywhere I go, people take an interest in what I have to say about Buddhism," he told the gathering. This widespread engagement reflects the enduring relevance of spiritual discussions.
The Path to Inner Peace
For the Dalai Lama, personal practice remains fundamental. "As far as I'm concerned, the most important point is to find peace of mind," he emphasized. He detailed his daily routine that cultivates this state.
"On my part, as soon as I wake up in the morning, I reflect on how I can be of benefit to all sentient beings," he explained. This morning reflection serves a specific purpose.
"That brings me peace of mind — a sense of serenity within," the Dalai Lama concluded. His approach demonstrates a practical application of Buddhist principles in daily life.
The interaction provided students with historical insights and personal wisdom from one of Buddhism's most prominent figures.
