Thekchen Chöling, Dharamshala, HP, India - The courtyard of the Thekchen Chöling Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple here, was decorated with rich garlands of flowers today. From the gate to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s residence to his throne on the veranda below the temple lay a red carpet decorated with auspicious symbols and strewn with flower petals. An estimated 550 people dressed in traditional Mönpa attire sat in the yard.
When His Holiness reached the gate, he was greeted by representatives of the organizers, the All Mönpa Students’ Union and the Youths of Mönyul led by Lama Ngawang Norbu. He then walked from an archway of flowers at the head of the aisle up the centre of the yard, smiling and waving to well-wishers. The crowd sang gently in welcome.
Once His Holiness had taken his seat tea was served. Prayers for his long life were said based on the Invocation of the Sixteen Arhats. ‘Tsog’ was offered to His Holiness who took a portion and ate it. Then the Chant-master offered a mandala requesting him to live long. Lama Ngawang Norbu, who is also President of the Tendhön Cultural Preservation Society, Tawang, also offered a mandala with three representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha.
As 'The Song of Immortality - The Extensive Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama' by his two tutors was chanted, members of the organizers approached His Holiness to receive his blessings while a procession of people bearing offerings filed past.
His Holiness addressed the gathering:
“I was recognised as the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lamas. I studied principally with Ling Rinpoché and others. Under difficult circumstances I came to India. Since then I have visited many different countries across the world, and people are pleased to see me. I was born in Amdo and have spent most of my time trying to benefit the teachings and sentient beings. I am concerned about the teachings and the people of Tibet. This is how things have been since I came to India. I visit holy places in India such as Bodhgaya and I’m able to benefit Buddhists who come from Tibet, and I feel eventually I’ll be able to benefit Buddhists in China too.
“I’ve reached quite an age, but I’m in good health, so I am able to be of service to the teachings. I’ve had the opportunity to really serve the Buddhist doctrine and those who have faith in it.
“When I left Norbulingka, I made a prayer for the welfare of the teachings and sentient beings, especially for the people of Tibet. As we crossed the Tsangpo river I felt sad, but the boatmen consoled me. They told me — ‘Even though you may have to leave Lhasa for the time being, don’t be sad, your good deeds in connection with Tibet’s religious and political welfare will not fail, wherever you are.’ How kind they were? My mind was reassured, and eventually I reached India. After that I visited many parts of the country as well as many other parts of the world and I always kept a pure motivation. I did whatever I was physically able to do, while maintaining a single-pointed pure motivation. I’ve never wavered from that. Although I have faced physical difficulties, I’ve always made an effort and met the challenges I faced with courage.
“As a result of my travels my name has become quite well-known. I’ve been able to help many people a little by explaining Buddhist teachings. I’ve worked hard and I will continue to do so. When I first arrived in India people seemed pleased to see me. This hasn’t changed. Wherever I go now, people are pleased to see me.
“You people from Mön-Tawang have come here and made sincere prayers for my long life as well as requests to Chenrezig. You’ve made these prayers as a mark of your faith and trust in me.
“From when I wake up in the morning until I go to sleep again at night, and even while I’m asleep, I pray, ‘May the blessings of the Buddha come to those who have faith in me.’ Thus, I pray unchangingly to be of benefit to sentient beings and the teachings.
“You have gathered here today, inspired by faith — and I thank you. As well as these prayers we’ve been saying, I’ll give the oral transmission of the mantras of Chenrezig, Manjushri and Arya Tara.”
His Holiness first recited a prayer to Chenrezig — With a beautiful pure white body unspoilt by any flaw, whose head is crowned by a fully enlightened Buddha, you gaze upon sentient beings with a mind of compassion. I prostrate to you O Chenrezig.
Noting the special bond between Chenrezig and the people of Tibet and the Himalayan region, His Holiness asked the congregation to repeat Om mani padmé hung three times after him and then to join him in saying it for one ‘mala.’
Next, His Holiness recited a prayer to Manjushri — You who appear in the form of a youth and light the great lamp of wisdom that dispels the darkness of the world,
I prostrate to you O Manjushri.
“We may have a pure motivation to be of benefit to others,” His Holiness remarked, “But without the discernment that comes with wisdom we won’t really know what is helpful and what is not. With wisdom, you can analyse the meaning of reality. When compassion is combined with wisdom there is nothing greater than that for yourself or others.
“In my own case I attribute my sharpness of mind to my having recited the mantra of Manjushri. Even now, when children come to me, I teach them this mantra. Reciting it brings us analytical, clear, swift, profound and discursive wisdom.”
Finally, His Holiness observed that Arya Tara is unlike any other deity in her embodiment of the virtuous activity of the enlightened ones and her defence against the eight fears. And with that he asked the congregation to repeat her mantra three times after him.
A thanksgiving mandala was offered by the All Mönpa Students Union, led by their President, in gratitude for His Holiness’s having accepted their request that he live long. This was followed by the prayer for his long life in a single verse and the ‘Prayer of the Words of Truth.’
While everyone in the congregation was able to approach the throne and meet His Holiness in a receiving line, various singers sang poignantly to express their wish that he lives long. After His Holiness had returned to his residence, members of the congregation remained in the yard continuing to sing in joyful celebration.
