Dharamshala: Thousands of devotees gathered to pray for his good health and continued guidance when the 14th Dalai Lama attended a special long-life prayer ceremony, known as ‘Tenshug” in Tibetan, at the Main Tibetan Temple, Tsuglagkhang, in Dharamshala on Wednesday.
The ceremony was jointly organised by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), Norbulingka Institute and Nepal Tibetan Lhamo Association, bringing together members of Tibetan performing arts and opera communities from India, Nepal and other parts of the world, as reported by ANI.
Describing the ceremony as an auspicious occasion, Tenzin Dhamchoe, a Tibetan community member from Los Angeles, California, said that it brought together former and current members of TIPA, the Norbulingka Institute and Tibetan Lhamo groups.
“Tibetans around the world look to His Holiness with hope and affection, praying for his long life and continued guidance for global peace and the Tibetan cause,” Dhamchoe said, adding that the Dalai Lama was in good spirits and enjoying the occasion.
Tenzin Lamdon, a Buddhist nun from Brazil, described the Dalai Lama as the foundation of her spiritual life, saying his teachings and personal example had shown her how to lead a happier and more peaceful life.
“His teachings and personal example show people how to lead happier and more peaceful lives,” she said.
Lamdon said the values of good conduct, understanding and learning were important for everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, emphasising the universal relevance of the Dalai Lama’s message. Being close to him and learning from his example was an honour and an opportunity to learn from an exceptional spiritual leader, she said.
Maria Sandoval, a devotee from Mexico who travelled with a group from a monastery to attend the ceremony, described the experience as deeply moving and spiritually powerful.
“The Buddhist teachings offer lessons for a lifetime, and being here for this ceremony means a great deal to me,” Sandoval said while speaking about the significance of the occasion.
The presence of monks and the powerful spiritual atmosphere had made the occasion unforgettable, she said, adding that the experience would remain in her heart forever.
More than 5,000 devotees and members of the Tibetan community came together in a collective expression of gratitude and reverence for the spiritual leader. The participants offered prayers for the Dalai Lama’s continued well-being and his contribution to peace, compassion and the aspirations of the Tibetan people.
