The Sentinel#40906

The Sentinel#40906

Buddhists pray for Dalai Lama’s long life on birth anniversary


BOMDILA, July 6: ‘The Sun in the sky, the Jewel of the world, the Light in our heart-may you live a long life’ was the prayer on every lip of the old and young alike, gathered to celebrate the 75th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama here today at Thubchog Gatseling Monastray (Lower Gompa ).

Deputy Abbot Geshi Lopon of the Gaden Rabgyeling Monastary (Upper Gompa) welcoming the people spoke on the moral values and virtues which a man should incorporate unto oneself based on the teachings of lord Buddha. Highlighting the path of non-violence, compassion and righteousness, Lopon urged the followers to abstain from taking non-vegetarian food including eggs on 8th, 10th, 15th and 30th day of every Buddhist Lunar calendar. On advice of the abbot it was also resolved to organize an interactive discourse on Buddhist philosophy on monthly basis at Sera village Gompa, Pedung Gompa, Gaden Rabgyeling Monastary and at Thubchog Gatseling Monastary, all located in Bomdila and its peripheral areas.

As a novel initiative, the organizing committee finalized a list of 35 students who had topped in their respective classes from the 16 schools located under Bomdila township. The toppers were felicitated by the committee on the occasion.

Attending the occasion as Chief Guest, Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi elaborated on the life of His Holiness and his endeavors for world peace, harmony and brotherhood and recognition by various national and international bodies for his services. Underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting the rich cultural and traditional values of the Buddhist community while praying for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tashi reiterated and called upon the people to make life meaningful by the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Earlier in the morning, the monks of the Gaden Rabgyeling and Thubchog Gatseling monasteries performed special prayers for long life of the Dalai Lama followed by a mass procession in and around Bomdila township with the spiritual leader’s portrait. It was followed by the ceremonial Sang-sol and hoisting of Lungta (prayer flags) and offering of Khadas (scarf). To commemorate the birthday of the Dalai Lama, and DC Rinchin Tashi and a colourful cultural programme marked the end of the celebration.

The birthday of the Dalai Lama was also observed at the Siddharta Vihar gonpa at Itanagar. In a day-long programme organized by the Itanagar Buddhist Cultural Society prayers were offered for world peace and long life of the spiritual leader. To mark the occasion a medical camp was also organized in the gonpa premises that offered Tibetan medicine treatment to the needy. Sphere: Related Content