Bodh Gaya, January 15 – The main initiation of the Kalachakra puja begins tomorrow in the afternoon. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give preparation initiation for students. This will be followed by the Kalachakra initiation for the next three days.
A ritual-offering dance was performed this afternoon in the Kalachakra temple by about 15 monks of the Namgyal monastery in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The TIPA artists performed Tashi Shoepa and Gyeshye Dawai Shunu, a Tibetan traditional dance presented on the auspicious occasions. This was followed by the performances of other Tibetan groups (Mangyul Kyidong Association, Aku Pema Cultural Dance Group, and Bhaeyul Porongwa) and the Indian Himalayan people (Ladakh, Kinnaur, Spiti, and Salugara). Artist Tobden Tsering from Switzerland presented a solo song in praise of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ugyen Thinley Dorjee was also present at the Kalachakra temple. Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche had arrived back in Bodh Gaya from Sarnath yesterday at noon.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier today handed over the wheelchairs to about 30 physically disabled persons affected by polio. The wheelchairs are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gaya and the District Administration. His Holiness donated Indian Rupees two hundred thousand to support their welfare programs. Speaking to the disabled persons at the Kalachakra temple, His Holiness said that though you are physically disabled, but mentally you are not. You are equally capable of contributing something to the society. His Holiness advised them to be educated. His Holiness expressed appreciation to those who are involved in their welfare, and termed their services as the real practice of Dhamma.
Later in the afternoon, His Holines the Dalai Lama attended the Interfaith Forum of Bodh Gaya and Gaya at the Root Institute. His Holiness was welcomed there by the representatives of Hindu, Buddhists, Jain, Sikh, Muslims, and Brahma Kumari. While answering the questions from the participants of this forum, His Holiness stressed the need for the interfaith dialogue to promote better understanding of each other’s faith, and to work for the religious harmony. His Holiness donated Indian Rupees five hundred thousand to the Ashram for orphans.
The preliminary teachings of the Kalachakra puja concluded yesterday (January 14th). On the last day of the three-day preliminary teachings, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a religious sermon on Jangchub Sem-kyi (cultivating compassion) to more than a hundred thousand devotees, who have come from here from all over the world to take part in the Kalachakra puja.
Yesterday in the morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered prayers under the Bodhi tree at the main stupa for about a half an hour.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will meet the media persons tomorrow morning, and will visit the local mosque next to the main stupa.
Contact: Sonam N. Dagpo, Additional Secretary
Masood Butt, Press Coordinator
Gendun Choephel, Assistant Press Coordinator
Department of Information and International Relations
Central Tibetan Administration Dharamshala, H.P., India
Camped at: Mahayana Guest House, Bodh Gaya
Tel: +91-631-2200675, 2200756
Fax: +91-631-2200676
E-mail: buttm70@yahoo.com
Website: www.tibet.net
