12/12/2023
His Holiness the Dalai Lama renders precious teachings to a large gathering in Gangtok
Gangtok, Dec 12 (IPR): The Paljor Stadium today was filled with a large congregation of devotees as thousands arrived to witness and receive the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
An estimated 30,000 people, which included state dignitaries, state government officers, monks, devotees, people from all walks of life made their way to the stadium in the wee hours of morning. Some traversed the venue on foot, some opted for the shuttle bus service provided by the State Government as Gangtok, leading up to Paljor Stadium, was made into a traffic free zone.
His Holiness smiled and gently waved to the crowd as he arrived and took his seat on the stage at the pavilion. He was visiting the State after a gap of 13 years. Accompanying him were His Holiness Shabdrung Rimpoche, His Eminence Tinkey Gonjang Rinpoche, His Eminence Lachung Rinpoche, His Eminence Gonjang, His Eminence Sertha Tulku and other eminent religious heads.
Also seated on the stage were Governor Mr Lakshman Prasad Acharya, First Lady Mrs. Kumud Devi, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, Madam Krishna Rai, Mr Justice Biswanath Somadder, Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim, Mr Arun Kumar Upreti, Speaker, SLA, Deputy Speaker, SLA, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, MPs, Advisors, Chairpersons, Chief Secretary and other state dignitaries. Officers of the state Government and the Indian Army were also present amongst the devotees.
In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang extended a warm welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the verdant State of Sikkim.
Conveying deep gratitude, the Chief Minister paid homage to the esteemed spiritual leader.
Recognising the day's significance for Sikkim, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang asserted that the divine words and blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama serve as a guiding light for the State. He deemed it an absolute honor to host the benign presence of His Holiness, regarded as a manifestation of Avalokiteshwara, embodying the compassion of all Buddhas and transcending faith boundaries to touch the lives of millions globally.
Expressing the inadequacy of words to capture the profound respect, love, and admiration felt by him and the Sikkimese people, the Chief Minister concluded by conveying heartfelt appreciation to the revered spiritual leader for sharing blessings and guidance with Sikkim.
As a symbolic gesture, the Chief Minister offered ‘Khada’ to His Holiness.
As the day progressed, brilliant rays of the morning sun streamed through the clouds, revealing the clear blue sky.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in his introductory remarks, offered his greetings to all the devotees and followers of Buddhism who were present. He expressed his happiness at the enthusiasm displayed by everyone who had gathered, wholeheartedly embracing Buddhism and the teachings of Buddha.
His Holiness began his teachings with a brief talk on his interpretation of religion. He focused on cultivating inner peace and happiness, promoting dialogue among different faiths, and addressing global issues through a compassionate lens.
He emphasised compassion, nonviolence, and the importance of universal responsibility. He said that “all religions are the same, and all dharmas are equal.”
He stated that embracing diversity and secular thought fosters understanding, tolerance, and shared values, emphasising our common humanity over differences in faith or practices. “By upholding these ideals, societies can strive for inclusivity, harmony, and the collective well-being of all people,” he added.
All major traditions have the same practice of love and kindness, just different methods and different philosophies.
His Holiness recited a prayer, invoking Avalokiteshwara, for those who lost their lives in the recent flood-disaster in Sikkim and for the peace and happiness of the people of Sikkim and neighbouring regions.
His Holiness proceeded to deliver the teaching on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva (‘Laklen Sodunma’) and the ceremony of the generation of Bodhichitta (‘Semkye’).
The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva (‘Laklen Sodunma’) is an ancient text written in the 14th Century BCE by Tokme Sangpo, a Buddhist monk and an exponent of scripture and reasoning, who was born in Puljung, south-west of the Sakya Monastery in Tibet.
It was composed by monk Tokme in a cave
in ‘Ngulchu Rinchen’ for the benefit of all sentient beings. The 37 Practices seeks to make clear the day-to-day behavior of a Bodhisattva, an enlightened being on his/her way to attain full Buddhahood. It serves as a practical guide for those people seeking to travel the path of enlightenment.
His Holiness stated that there is no better way to create merit, purify misdeeds or bring benefit to others than following the path of Bodhisattva.
“By examining always the status of one’s mind, with continuous mindfulness and alertness, to bring about the good of others—this is the practice of all the bodhisattvas,” he said.
“If you cultivate Bodhichitta on a daily basis, you can yield more bbenefits,” he added.
A Long-life offering ceremony by the State Government and Tibetan Communities of Sikkim was performed. This included an auspicious offering of ‘Mendel Tensum,’ recitation of prayers and cultural presentations consisting of a Tibetan dance by Tibetan Communities of Sikkim and Sikkimese dance performed by artistes from the State Culture Department.
This was followed by a virtual inauguration/virtual foundation stone laying of two projects of the State Government.
The Karmapa Park project or the Fambonglho Nature Park project at Rumtek, Gangtok Constituency of Tourism Department and Civil Aviation Department proposes a 52 feet high copper statue of the 16th Karmapa, a beacon emanating wisdom and compassion. This monumental tribute symbolises the transformative teachings and spiritual guidance he imparted to the world. The park aspires to serve as a consecrated space, celebrating and enduring the spiritual legacy of ‘Karma Kagyu’ lineage. The diverse elements of the park include the old Sang Monastery, ‘Mane Lakhang,’ ‘Chamkhang’ cm Eco- cottages, parking areas, a multipurpose hall and a cafeteria. The proposed park is strategically positioned at a mere 10km from the Rumtek monastery founded by the 16th Karmapa himself. The cost of the project is estimated at 69 crores, 99 lakhs rupees and the estimated time for completion is by March 2026.
Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo Statue Project at Simik- Singtam Khamdong Constituency, East Sikkim is initiated by the State Culture Department under the vision and guidance of the Chief Minister. Located in the premises of Simik monastery, the 50 feet statue of revered master scholar of ‘Nyingmapa’ Buddhism Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo will be constructed as a part of Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo Centre of Excellence. The Cultural Centre will explain in detail, through the ‘Interpretation Centre’ and ‘Open Museum’, the concept and importance of ‘Ridzin Sokdrup’, ‘Riwo Sangcho’ and other important teachings ensuring that Sikkim would become a spiritual dwelling particularly for the ‘Dzogchen’ teachings and practitioners. The Centre also incorporates mindfulness and meditation practices into the project emphasising the connection between art, spirituality and mental well-being. The Centre will contribute to the preservation and promotion of Buddhist Art and Culture, also serving as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
The programme came to a conclusion with the word of thanks by Mr Sonam Lama, Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness for visiting the state and blessing the people. He also thanked all the devotees who had come from all across the state, India and abroad.
Earlier, Mr Tenzing Gelek, Chairman, Administrative Reforms Commission offered a brief welcome note.
The programme today was covered by the state, national and international media. For those unable to receive the teachings at Paljor Stadium, the programme was broadcasted live through LED display at MG Marg, Chintan Bhawan and across all social media platforms.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is slated to grace the State Lunch hosted by Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang on December 13 at Samman Bhawan. He will leave Sikkim for Salugara on December 14, where he is scheduled to impart ‘Semkye’ Teachings at Sed-Gued Monastery, Salugara.
