Tibetans in Switzerland, Liechtenstein offers long-life prayer to Dalai Lama

By Tenzin Nyidon 

DHARAMSHALA, Aug 26: The Tibetan community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein gathered on Sunday at the Hallenstadion in Zurich to offer a Long Life Prayer (Tenshug) to the foremost Tibetan exiled spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The ceremony drew approximately 15,000 devotees from across Europe, reflecting the deep spiritual connection and reverence felt by the Tibetan diaspora. 

Addressing the devotees, the octogenarian leader emphasised the importance of practicing Buddhist teachings and acknowledged the global recognition and appreciation of these teachings “We Tibetans are imbued with the teaching of the Buddha. We have an unwavering faith in it, which begins when we are children reciting the verse for taking refuge and cultivating the awakening mind. I’ve had the opportunity to study and practise Buddhist teachings since I was a small child and I’ve found they have a quite scientific basis. Indeed, these days scientists come to see me taking interest in Buddhist instruction about non-violence and compassion,” he said. 

The spiritual leader further remarked, “In the past, people in the outside world didn’t know much about Tibetan Buddhism, but as time has gone by more people have taken an interest in it. They are especially attracted by instructions about the workings of the mind and emotions and ways to cultivate positive qualities within us. Even in China faith and understanding of Buddha dharma has grown.”

He also recalled his last meeting with Mao Zedong, who famously told him in Beijing that “religion is poison.” The Dalai Lama shared, “When I was in Beijing Mao Zedong praised my scientific turn of mind, but at the same time he remarked that religion is poison. However, I feel that if he were alive today, he would better understand why it’s worth following what the Buddha taught.”

The Dalai Lama departed from Switzerland on August 26 and travelled to Delhi, India. He is expected to arrive in Dharamshala on August 28. His upcoming teachings in Dharamshala are scheduled for September 6-7, 12-13, 18, and from September 30 to October 30. On October 2, His Holiness will participate in a Long Life Prayer ceremony offered by Taiwanese devotees.