Students, monks attend Dalai Lama's spiritual discourse in Dharamsala

Students and monks attended a two-day discourse on the 'Heart Sutra' and 'Praise to the Intelligent One' by Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in Dharamsala, which concluded on Thursday.

Over 3,000 students from upper Tibetan Children Village (TCV) and different schools in and around

Himachal Pradesh state converged for spiritual teachings by Dalai Lama.

The students were receptive to the teachings and said he advocated love and compassion towards others.

"I am very happy because my great teacher is not just my teacher, but the entire world's. He preaches the message of compassion, love and caring about others. He takes responsibility to do his part for the people and addresses the common needs,said a student, Namthak.

During the annual teachings, His Holiness said youngsters should view Buddhism as an academic branch of study.

He was also dismayed by less number of Tibetan youngsters enrolling into monasteries.

Despite his global renown, the 78-year-old Dalai Lama is viewed by Beijing's communist leadership as a dangerous "splittist" who espouses violence. He denies the charges, saying he only wants genuine autonomy for his homeland.