Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - The Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, and the yard in front of it were profusely decorated with flowers this morning as part of ceremonies to pray for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life. The occasion was attended by an estimated 4000 people.
When His Holiness reached the gate to his residence, representatives of the three groups offering prayers, the Association of People from Central Tibet, the Association of People from the Zachuk region of Kham and the Association of People from Kyirong, stepped forward to greet him. Then, led by monks playing horns and swinging censers, they escorted him to the temple. Dancers sang and danced in celebration in the temple yard.
Ling Rinpoché presided over today’s ceremony that was based on the Wish-fulfilling Wheel of White Tara. Seated to his right was the Abbot of Namgyal Monastery and to his left, Trulshik Rinpoché and the Dorjé Löbpön of Namgyal Monastery. Among the guests to the left of the throne were former Abbots of Ganden Jangtsé and Gyutö Monasteries.
Descriptions of complex visualizations were punctuated by a verse refrain:
May you prolong the life
Of our glorious, sacred Lama for 100 aeons
Please grant him
the spiritual accomplishment of immortality.
Next there were appeals to spiritual masters of the past to prolong the Lama’s life.
Ling Rinpoché came forward to present the Long-Life Arrow to His Holiness who took it and wielded it gently in all directions. Amitayus was invoked. A cord linking the lamas performing the ritual to His Holiness was distributed while tents of coloured light were evoked.
The Chant-master led a recitation of a mandala offering requesting the Lama to live 100 aeons for the sake of the teachings and sentient beings. Reinforcing this request Ling Rinpoché asked “May you live 100 aeons so we may continue to collect merit and wisdom”. He also offered a mandala followed by a statue of Arya Tara, a scripture and a stupa, which represented the body, speech and mind of the enlightened ones. Next, he presented emblems representing the Buddhas of the five families, long-life liquor, pills for longevity, the seven royal emblems, the eight auspicious symbols, and the eight auspicious substances.
While the prayer for His Holiness’s Long Life by his two tutors was recited, representatives of the groups offering today’s ceremony approached the throne to receive His Holiness’s blessings.
The Association of People of Central Tibet presented His Holiness with an emblem they described as the World’s Refuge Award. One of their number read out an introduction to what it symbolizes:
“The award is crafted from fine bronze. Its circular form symbolizing His Holiness’s universal activity of love, compassion and righteousness, a radiant light for the world. At its centre the Potala Palace represents the long and glorious history of the Tibetan nation and His Holiness's role as supreme refuge of the Tibetan people in this life and beyond. His Holiness's characteristic compassionate smile expresses the heartfelt hope of the Tibetan people for his swift and auspicious return to the Potala and his sowing the seeds of love and compassion throughout the world.
“The rays of light radiating as a halo from behind his head illuminate his all-pervading compassion, which guides the entire world along the path of peace and well-being. Three clouds represent his three vows scattering blessings over the world like flowers falling from the sky and pouring a ceaseless rain of love and compassion upon all beings.
“The world map on the reverse symbolises His Holiness's vision of universal responsibility, the oneness of humanity, the view of interdependence, and his conduct of peace and non-violence. The map of Tibet embodies his commitment to preserve, undiminished, the unique religious and cultural identity of the Tibetan people. The emblems of His Holiness's ninetieth year and of the Years of Love and Compassion pay tribute to the breadth of his outer, inner and secret activities elevating the value of compassion in the world.
“The ring of mountains encircling the award evokes His Holiness's incomparable kindness in safeguarding Tibet's religion, politics and culture. The two snow lions supporting the award represent the entire Tibetan people's admiration and reverence for His Holiness’s incomparable legacy of preserving the religion, politics and culture of Tibet.
“On the pedestal, an inscription in Tibetan and English proclaims that His Holiness is the incomparable refuge and protector of all beings on earth. The double endless knot at the very centre of the award, the symbol of Central Tibet, represents the union of religion and governance. The six-syllable mantra Om mani padme hum on the reverse illuminates the unique faith of the Tibetan people. May His Holiness remain firm and steadfast forever.”
The Association of People from Dokham Zachuka also presented His Holiness with a special memento and one of their number read out an accompanying testimony in which he expressed the hope that the people of Tibet may come together once more. The people of Dokham Zachuka pledged to follow His Holiness who is Padmapani, the holder of the lotus and a wish-granting jewel. They repeated the hope that they may all meet once more in Lhasa.
A mandala and representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddhas were offered in thanksgiving for His Holiness’s accepting the request to live long.
Today’s ceremony was brought to an end with auspicious prayers including the ‘Words of Truth’. As monk’s playing horns and swinging censers, as well as representatives of today’s patrons, again led the way, His Holiness left the temple. As he neared the lift, he had a charming interaction with a small boy who jumped up and ran forward when he beckoned. After His Holiness had patted his head, the little boy waved and quickly folded his hands in prayer, much to His Holiness’s amusement. He continued to smile at well-wishers to right and left as he made his way back to his residence.
