By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent in Kathmandu
The authorities in Tibet have, in a sudden move, revoked its decision to let the Tibetans in Amdo province of Tibet hold a Kalachakra ceremony citing unconvincing and irrelevant reasons.
There have been speculations that the real reason behind the cancellation of the ceremony was because it coincides with the July 6 birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the authorities suspect possible political unrest as has been demonstrated by the recent large scale Tibetan campaign of burning animal skins.
According to a reliable source from Amdo province, the Kalachakra religious ceremony was scheduled to be held from July 6, 2006 onwards by the 8th Aala Dewatsang Jamyang Thubten Gyatso, a famous Lama of Amdo from Keguthang near Xitsang Gersel Monastery in Xitsang Township Center of Luchu County, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Gansu Province). The organisers of the ceremony had obtained the necessary permission from both the Chinese Central Government and Gansu Provincial Government but the permission was suddenly revoked by the Provincial Government on June 14 citing reasons such as transfer of officials, busy meeting schedules, among others.
The scheduled ceremony was the dying wish of the late 3rd Aala Dewatsang who had conferred 40 Kalachakra teachings in the past in Tibet and Mongolia. It was to be the first Kalachakra ceremony led by the 8th Aala Dewatsang who wanted to fulfill his predecessor’s wish.
The permission was granted about one year back when representatives of 12 different community groups of the region approached the Chinese “Central Government” for about three times. The decision of the Provincial government to cancel the ceremony has shocked the organisers who had started the preparations about ten days’ back, informed the source. But they still hope that the permission would be granted next year.
