Source: Tibet.net
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was honored in a solemn ceremony at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India, where prayers and offerings were made for his long life. The event, convened by the Central Institute of Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, along with alumni from the Dalhousie Tibetan School and the Tibetan settlement at Paonta Sahib, witnessed a procession of monks, marked by traditional rituals and heartfelt expressions of gratitude.
The ceremony commenced with the Chant-master of Namgyal Monastery leading prayers and invocations, centered around White Tara, symbolizing longevity. Amidst the rhythmic chants and offerings, His Holiness was presented with the long-life wand by Ganden Tri Rinpoché, a revered moment symbolizing blessings and continuity.
Representatives from patron organizations honored His Holiness with gifts, including recently translated scriptures, emphasizing the sanctity of knowledge in the pursuit of spiritual growth. His Holiness reciprocated by offering silk scarves and protection ribbons, extending his blessings to all.
In his address to the assembly, His Holiness emphasized the universal bond of humanity, advocating for unity, peace, and cooperation among all individuals, transcending divisions of nationality, faith, or background. He highlighted the importance of warmth and compassion guided by wisdom, stressing the need for a collective effort to address global challenges, including environmental crises and societal conflicts.
The ceremony culminated with expressions of gratitude to His Holiness for his teachings and to the various contributors and organizers who facilitated the event's success. A financial statement detailed the support received and spent during the three-day teaching and the Long-Life Ceremony.
As His Holiness bid farewell, expressing New Year wishes and encouraging a commitment to global welfare, attendees offered prayers for the flourishing of teachings and the well-being of all sentient beings.
The ceremony concluded with His Holiness boarding a golf-cart, acknowledging the crowd and the image of Buddha, resonating a message of compassion and goodwill as he returned to the monastery.
The profound spiritual gathering underscored the essence of compassion, wisdom, and unity championed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, leaving a resonating call for collective harmony and goodwill in the world.
Edited and collated by Team TRC