Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - This morning the penultimate session, the eighth, of the 15th Tibetan Religious Leaders Meeting took place in the assembly hall at His Holiness’s residence.
Seated at the front to the right of His Holiness were Sakya Trizin, Menri Trichen Rinpoché, Drikung Chetsang Rinpoché, Taklung Matrul Rinpoché representing Taklung Shapdrung. To his left sat Gaden Tri Rinpoché, Minling Khenchen (representing Minling Trichen), Khenpo Ngedo (representing Gyalwang Drukpa), and Jonang Gyaltsap. Kalons and other members of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) sat down the side of the hall.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering paid due respect to His Holiness and the other spiritual leaders and read out the three resolutions of the meeting:
1. All participants agreed with and gave their support to His Holiness’s recent statement.
2. Reincarnation is a religious matter. China is using this for political ends, which we will not accept.
3. Everyone attending the meeting accepts His Holiness decision.
His Holiness turned to face the image of the Buddha at the head of the hall so photographs could be taken of him with the delegates.
His Holiness then addressed the gathering.
“So many years have passed since we came into exile and Tibetans have been incomparably strong. Although we are living in exile, we have really done well to preserve our religion and culture under my leadership.
“As far as I’m concerned, as soon as I wake every morning, I generate the awakening mind of bodhichitta, by reciting these lines:
In order to fulfil the aims of myself and others
I shall develop the awakening mind of bodhichitta’
“Bodhichitta is what gives the courage to work for others. So far, I’ve been able to conduct myself in a completely determined way without losing heart.
“I am grateful to you all for convening this 15th Meeting of Tibetan Spiritual Leaders.
“I came from Siling to Lhasa where I took vows before the Jowo.
“All of us have been determined in pursuit of our cause. It’s very good that the people of the three provinces of Tibet have remained united. I am regarded as the leader of these united people. I have engaged in this responsibility with all my determination and courage.
“With regard to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, there are scriptural and experiential aspects. You, my Dharma brothers and sisters, Lamas and monastics, have a responsibility to preserve it. Please continue to do your best.”
The Religious Affairs Secretary, Dudul Dorjee offered a word of thanks, expressing gratitude to His Holiness, the heads of the various traditions, representatives of monasteries and so forth.
The spiritual leaders also had some words to add. Sakya Trizin mentioned the need to pray for His Holiness’s long life and to work to fulfil his words and wishes. The Ganden Tri Rinpoché said, “As long as the Tibetan people remain in the cycle of existence, may you, Your Holiness, guide us to enlightenment.”
Menri Trichen Rinpoché thanked His Holiness for his words and urged everyone present to follow His Holiness’s advice. Minling Khenchen expressed the wish that His Holiness may be able to go to Tibet and step on Tibetan soil once more. Drikung Chetsang Rinpoché remarked: “Motivated by bodhichitta His Holiness has appeared among us sentient beings, which is our good fortune. Even at 90 years old, His Holiness is determined to work for all beings. I pray for his long life.
Khenpo Ngedo noted that His Holiness has reported that he has received many requests for the institution of the Dalai Lama to continue and for his reincarnation to appear. At this meeting we have made a resolution in support of this.
Taglung Matrul Rinpoché thanked His Holiness for his recent statement and read out the following verse for his long life—
I pray to you, O Supreme Noble Lotus Holder (Padmapani):
You are the adamantine Gentle Glory who has Mastery of Speech,
Your vase of Sublime Insight is replete with the nectar of Exalted Wisdom,
And you are the embellishing jewellery
(Beautifully adorning) the Vast playful Ocean of Upholders of Dharma!
Jonang Gyaltsab said he would like to remind everyone of His Holiness’s kindness and his enlightened deeds, which are not limited to Tibetans, but focus on all sentient beings. He prayed for His Holiness’s long life and that he may return to the Potala Palace to turn the Wheel of Dharma.
The Religious Secretary thanked all those who took part in the meeting and apologized for any shortcomings that may have taken place. He concluded by observing that the source of all good and happiness in the world is the Buddha Dharma—and he wished that it may remain for a long time, that the Lamas live long and that Tibetans may be united.
