Dharamsala, Oct 15 : A four-day teaching session by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama began here on Thursday.

Thousands of people including Buddhist monks, nuns, foreigners and Tibetans assembled at the Tsuglagkhang Temple to listen to the preachings.

In his inaugural session, the Dalai Lama highlighted the basic principles of Buddhism and spoke about love, peace and compassion.

Lobsang, a Tibetan youth, believes that the Dalai Lama teachings will help in resolving conflict and other existing differences.

"This is exactly what Dalai Lama has been telling the Chinese people that it is only through dialogue, through understanding, through compassion, the conflicts can be resolved. His teachings are actually spreading this message that you have to have the understanding and feel compassion for other people," said Lobsang, a Tibetan youth. Another Tibetan youth, Tenzin said, preaching sessions by the Tibetan spiritual leader will spread awareness about the Tibetan cause.

The Dalai Lama has lived in Dharamsala with thousands of his followers ever since they fled from their homeland after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.

In 1950, the Chinese troops marched into Tibet and occupied it. (ANI)