His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in Long Beach to Begin his Five-State Visit to United States

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is greeted in traditional Tibetan manner on his arrival in Long Beach, California, on May 2, 2011. Photo/Don Farber

His Holiness then traveled to the city of Long Beach by motorcade and on his arrival at the hotel around noon, he was received by the Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery, Geshe Jangchup Choedhen, former abbots Geshe Lobsang Tsephel (Gaden Jangtse) and Geshe Lobsang Jamyang (Sera Mey), Mr. Tenzing Chondhen, member of the Tibetan Parliament from North America, Kasur Pema Chhinjor, Mrs. Pema Dolkar, President of the Tibetan Association of Southern California, board of the Gaden Shartse Thubten Dhargye Ling, and members of the Tibetan community and a host of Tibetans and other supporters from the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas.

His Holiness was offered the traditional Droso Chemar by a young Tibetan girl and boy and after greeting the gathering he briefly explained his recent indisposition.  His Holiness then went to his suite where Abbot Jangchup Choedhen made the traditional mandala offering. Thereafter, he rested for the day.

His Holiness begins his programs on May 3, 2011. During this trip His Holiness is participating programs in five universities in the states of California, Minnesota, Arkansas, and Texas as well as other events in New Jersey.