New York City, NY, USA - As His Holiness the Dalai Lama prepares to return to India after two months in the United States receiving medical treatment, the Tibetan Community of North America and their American friends, a capacity crowd of 17,000 people, filled the UBS Arena to offer prayers for his long life.
The backdrop to the stage was decorated with large thangka paintings of the Buddha Shakyamuni, Avalokiteshvara and White Tara. Monks, with Abbots and former Abbots in the front rows, sat around the throne. In the hall Tibetan dancers in traditional costume sang words of welcome. Monks playing horns led the way as His Holiness walked onto the stage and took his seat on the throne.
His Holiness’s representative at the Office of Tibet, Dr Namgyal Choedup, told His Holiness how pleased everyone present was to welcome him among them and to have the opportunity to offer sincere prayers for his long life. He thanked all those who had been part of the medical team treating His Holiness, as well as those who provided hospitality to him and his entourage.
A group of 400 Tibetan children in the well of the hall sang verses wishing that His Holiness live long. The Chant Master then led a recitation of the mandala offering.
His Holiness addressed the congregation: “Here we have Tibetans from all three regions of Tibet demonstrating how we are united. Tibetan culture can be of benefit to the whole of humanity. The Buddha, Shakyamuni, became enlightened and gave teachings that have been preserved in Tibet and the Himalayan region. These teachings are profound and deeply valuable. I have studied them since I was very young.
“The Buddha’s teachings have influenced our way of life to the extent that the people of Tibet have been determined to keep them alive. I intend to live to be more than 100 years old and I will continue to do my best to help the Tibetan people.
“Chinese Communists may look down on Tibetan culture, but across the world we have friends who appreciate it. In Tibet we have the most complete transmission of the Buddha’s teachings. As Tibetans have spread out across the world other people have become more aware of our traditions. We have many loyal friends who I’d like to thank. People around the world are taking an interest in Buddhism and even in China there are many curious to learn about Tibetan Buddhism.
“Today, I’ll give a short instruction on generating the awakening mind of bodhichitta. It’s simple but powerful. By cultivating bodhichitta we can fulfil the interests and needs of others and ourselves. Fundamentally we wish—May I become a Buddha to benefit all wandering beings.”
His Holiness recited the verse for taking refuge in the Three Jewels and generating the awakening mind. He asked the audience to repeat it after him three times. He declared that he has followed the Buddha’s teachings and generated the wish to become a Buddha in order to benefit beings over many lifetimes. He invited his listeners to make a similar commitment.
“Having done that, we can rejoice.”
His Holiness then gave the transmission of the mantras of Buddha Shakyamuni, Arya Tara, Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Hayagriva, the Medicine Buddha and Guru Rinpoché. He first recited them and then invited the congregation to repeat them with him.
“There are many different religious traditions in the world, and I respect them all. But it is Buddhism that has caught the interest of scientists because it’s founded on logic. Buddhism also has great potential for fostering world peace.
“You’ve all shown unwavering faith and you’ve done a good job keeping our religion and culture alive. Please keep it up and make your prayers with joy.”
The Chant Master led concise prayers for His Holiness’s long life in the course of which appropriate offerings were presented to him. The ceremony was completed with a mandala offering.
Representative Dr Namgyal Choedup addressed the crowd once more to express especial gratitude to Carol and Sam Nappi for their generous help coordinating the arrangements that ensured that His Holiness’s knee replacement surgery was a success and for their subsequent exceptional hospitality as he recuperated. Mr and Mrs Nappi approached the throne and His Holiness thanked them personally. The audience cheered.
Liaison Officer Kunga Tashi thanked everyone who had worked hard and contributed to today’s long-life ceremony. Following the moving performance of a song from the Tibetan operatic tradition, the Chant Master recited the dedication prayers that concluded the proceedings. Before leaving the stage, His Holiness walked to the front, where he smiled and waved to the congregation who waved and proffered white silk scarves in return.
