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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 43

the problem. For instance, people might face a lot
Demystifying
of pressure financially, from their work, or have
recently been bereaved. The mind might be filled
and openness to be helped and counselled is very Tibetan
with anxiety, sadness, fear etc. One’s willingness

important, although some people can be referred
Buddhism
by their family members and friends.

Zhi Yi: How can we help each other as a By Geshe Lakhdor
community?

Ven. Geshe Lhakdor, a
Ven Ding Rong: This will very much depend
distinguished Buddhist
on each individual’s ability. We can offer our
scholar, served His Holiness
empathy, support, company and journey with
the 14th Dalai Lama as his
them. It is also important to remind each other of
Dhamma recollection. We can refer someone to a translator and religious
professional counsellor or religious teacher when assistant from 1989-2005. He
necessary, especially when there are suicidal has co-translated and co-
thoughts and violent tendencies. produced several books by the Dalai Lama. As Director
of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in
Zhi Yi: Can you please share some insights Dharamsala, Geshe Lhakdor facilitates the Science
on how we can develop and strengthen our for Monks program and shares his own expertise as
mental well-being?
a scholar of science and philosophy. Geshe-la is also a
trustee of the Foundation for Universal Responsibility,
Ven Ding Rong: Through practising the
established by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Dhamma, we can develop and strengthen our
He is also the Director of the Central Archive of His
mental well-being. For instance, the Noble
Holiness the Dalai Lama and a member of the Advisory
Eightfold Path and Brahmavihārās (or Four
Board of the Institute of Tibetan Classics in Montreal,
Immeasurables) are very useful, and they are
Canada. He is currently the Director of the Library of
applicable and beneficial for everyone regardless
Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala India, and
of religion and race. It is important to understand
the relationship between cause and effect, which head of the Science Education Project.
allows us to establish the right outlook and
values in life. Many people these days do not From 1976 to 1986, he studied specialized
really understand the purpose and meaning of Buddhist philosophy in the Institute of Buddhist
life, and they easily feel lost. Dialectics, Dharamshala, and received the Master of
Prajnaparamita in 1982. He also received the Master
In addition, people can establish a healthy of Madhyamika in 1989 and the Master of Philosophy
lifestyle by having balanced diets, normal
from the University of Delhi. Since 2002, Geshe Lhakdor
work-life balance, improving sleep quality
has been an Honorary Professor at the University
and engaging in regular exercise. Cultivating
of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. In 2008, he
healthy hobbies and harmonious interpersonal
was also conferred an Honorary Professorship by the
relationships are undoubtedly beneficial to
mental wellness. EH University of Delhi, Department of Psychology.