The Five Chosen for Trial from Africa

During the time of Dharma King Trisong Detsen, seven Tibetans were given the opportunity to go forth as monastics to assess whether Tibetans were fit to uphold the precepts. They were given the name The Seven Chosen for Trial, and they went on to be wonderful as translators who affect many people through embodying and spreading the Buddhist teachings. Since that time the light of the teachings have illuminated Tibet like the rays of the sun. Having similar aspirations for these children from Africa I thought that it would create an auspicious link to use the name The Five Chosen for Trial.

These children are a central part of my main purposes for this life. By teaching and nurturing them to the best of my ability over the coming decades, I hope and pray that they themselves benefit long-term and grow to become brave, wise and caring men and women who are able to spread the philosophy of peace and nonviolence in their own lands.

During a two week visit to Southern Africa last year, I saw for myself how many people there, while not materially wealthy, have abundant inner wealth and possess many features such as deep-seated faith and strength of heart.

Until now, we Tibetan lamas have focussed our efforts on developed, affluent countries, and have ignored the people of poorer lands. But something very significant could be accomplished if the next generation of Tibetan lamas were to focus on people from some of the lesser developed countries.