Dharamshala: A long life prayer offering (Tib: Tenshug) for His Holiness the Dalai Lama was held at the main temple in Dharamshala today organised by five groups. The Tenshug was offered by Shang Gaden Choekhorling Monastery, Federation of Tibetan Cooperative (Nyamdrel), Doekham Chushi Gangdrug based in Delhi, Tibetan residents of Bhutan and Members of Kham Gonjo.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama began by thanking and greeting all the organisers and devotees who have especially come to offer the Long Life prayers from far.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama in his words of encouragement said, “At this very difficult period, we have truth on our side. Despite hardships, Tibetans inside Tibet and exile have upheld the Tibetan spirit and therefore, today our religion, culture and values are intact and flourishing.”
His Holiness noted that those who are offering long-life prayer essentially represents the aspiration and hope of Tibetans around the globe.
His Holiness applauded the togetherness and unity of the Tibetans and depicted the prevalence of unity in ancient Tibet when Tibetans were united and all the three provinces lived as one.
Addressing the five groups offering tenshug, His Holiness said, “today, here you are sincerely and with a pure heart making this long-life offering, This represents the eminent solidarity and unity of the Tibetan people”.
His Holiness further mentioned that the story of Tibetan refugees is unlike any other counterparts and it is a specimen that anyone can stand the test of time as long as hope and unity prevails.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama performing the rituals on the long life ceremony held at the temple today.
His Holiness further elucidated that the Tibetans in exile have dedicated so much for the cause of Tibet due to which many people around the world now know the story of Tibet and Tibetan people.
Praising the 17 pandits of Nalanda tradition for their logical way of teaching Buddhism, His Holiness, in particular, expressed his gratitude to Master Shantarakshita for his advice to translate the holy texts into Tibetan language and not any other languages, because of which His Holiness noted Tibetan scriptures came into being.
His Holiness then related Buddhism in today’s world while stressing about Quantum Physics which he said was already discovered 2500 years ago in the Buddhist tradition.
Speaking further, His Holiness urged the monastic institutes to cultivate the study of modern science and thereby have a discussion with experts and researchers. He also remarked that the modern scientist on the other can benefit a lot from Buddhist tradition as well since much of Buddha’s teaching is profound and established through reasoning and logic.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers prayers at the long-life ceremony offered to him by the 5 groups earlier today. Photo/Kunsang Yelphel/CTA
His Holiness further asserted that the Tibetan language is the best for those wishing to study Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
His Holiness said that there are many scholars from all the traditions of Buddhism and urged to continue working hard so that the tradition can survive for many more centuries. On that note, His Holiness lauded Namdroling an extensive Nyingma Monastery and the head of the monastery Late Penor Rinpoche for serving the Buddha Dharma very well.
In the end, His Holiness encouraged Tibetans to continue walking the path of truth and said, “our power lies in the power of truth. Chinese possess the power of a gun. In the end, the power of truth always prevails over violence”.
Thanking the organisers for the profound and extensive Tenshug, His Holiness the Dalai Lama assured his good health which innately brought a surge of joy on the faces of thousands of devotees.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the Tenshug organisers and devotees at the long life offering ceremony at the main temple. Photo /Kunsang Yelphel/CTA
His Holiness the Dalai Lama presides over the Long Life prayer offering ceremony at the main temple. Photo/Kunsang Yelphel/CTA
The high lamas performing rituals as a part of Long Life offering at the main temple.Photo/Kunsang Yelphel/CTA
Monks carrying a figure of His Holiness the Dalai lama. Photo/Kunsang Yelphel/CTA
Members of the organizing team offering long life prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo/Kunsang Yelphel/CTA