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His Holiness began by talking about it being up to each and every individual to be religious or not, to be Buddhist or not.  However, if someone voluntarily takes an interest in Buddhism, then the individual must be serious and sincere.  He said it was wrong for someone to think that just remembering the Buddha would be enough and that he would take care of everything. His Holiness added that the Buddha had clearly outlined that the responsibility lay with the each and every practitioner.

His Holiness then explained the meaning of Kalachakra.  As this initiation belongs to the highest yoga Tantra (Anuttarayoga), His Holiness emphasized the importance of understanding Tantrayana properly.  For example, in the name of tantric practice, indulging in what could be termed as free sex is dangerous, His Holiness said.

Some of the main students on stage during the Kalachakra Initiation conferred by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Washington DC on July 15, 2011. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

At the conclusion, His Holiness said that those attending the teachings would be in some kind of a happy state of mind. He added that this would generate a positive energy that could have impact in the community.  His Holiness suggested that the attendees might think of dedicating whatever virtues they have accumulated for the broader community. He specifically referred to the world economic crisis and its particular impact in the United States. His Holiness said he had long been admiring the United States as a champion of democracy, liberty and freedom. He, therefore asked the attendees to consider dedicating their virtues so that the United States could also overcome the economic crisis and continue its championship of the free world.

On July 16, 2011 His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be bestowing the long life empowerment. His Holiness will also be meeting President Barack Obama at the White House.

In addition to Tibetans, attendees of the teachings have come from more than 40 countries, including from the following. Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Guatemala, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand, Portugal, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, United States, Venezuela, and Vietnam.