Tibet.net
Dharamsala: The morning five organizations, the Tendhong Cultural Preservation Society (Mön), the International Jonang Well-being Association, the Domey-Mang-Bha-Ja-Sum Association, the Namgyal Higher Secondary School, Nepal, and the Sydney Tibetan Association came together to offer a prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life at the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala. His Holiness met their representatives at the gate to his residence and they escorted him as he walked through the temple yard, smiling and waving at well-wishers on the way. He was presented with the traditional Chema Changpu from which he took a pinch. Further on a group of dancers performed for his delight.
Addressing the congregation His Holiness told them, “I have a simulated experience of the awakening mind of bodhichitta. I renew the wish expressed in this verse every day, as long as space endures, and as long as sentient beings remain, until then, may I too remain, to help dispel the misery of the world.
“I belong to the lineage of Dalai Lamas and have a strong link to the people of the Himalayan region. I was recently in Ladakh and I hope to make a visit to Mön Tawang again soon.
“In this life alone I’ve been able to serve the Dharma and sentient beings and I make a determination to live long in order that I may continue to do so. I feel I can live for another 10 to 20 years or so. I’m not concerned with money or fame, only with being able to benefit others. And for that reason, I pray to live long. The prayer that is being performed today involves Arya Tara and I say her mantra for longevity every day.
“During my recent visit to Ladakh and Zanskar I was moved by the faith and trust of the people there. Tibetans in Tibet are also unflinching in their devotion, but they are living under oppressive conditions. Meanwhile, an increasing number of people in China are taking an interest in Buddhism and even Chinese officials are beginning to acknowledge that I’m not the reactionary they make me out to be. In fact, in Tibet, it’s not just a matter of human beings, there are spirits and deities who have faith in me because I’m resolute in my efforts to cultivate the awakening mind of bodhichitta for the benefit of others.”
Read the complete news here.
By Team TRC