By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, November 3: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama presided over a long life prayer offering (Tenshug) and received two awards from four organizations at the Tsugla khang temple on Tuesday.
Barkham Rongpo Shogka Chaegay, Barkham Sokshoe Association, Barkham Tridodo tenshug committee and Do-toe Cholka Committee jointly requested the ceremony that was conducted by Thomthog Rinpoche, Abbot of Namgyal Monastery.
The Prayer was also attended by the Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay, Speaker Penpa Tsering and Tibetan ministers, members of the Tibetan Parliament in exile and officials of the Tibetan government in exile.
The prayer was planned to coincide with Lha Bhab Duchen, the day when Buddha descended from the heaven to earth which falls on the 22nd day of the ninth month of lunar calendar.
The 80-year-old leader emphasized the importance of Tibetan language, as it is the only language capable to comprehend all of Buddha’s teachings and teachings of all the great scholars of Nalanda University.
The Tibetan leader said, “When I see the older generation people, without teeth and white hair, it makes me realize that we are the bygones. Now it is up to the younger generation to shoulder the responsibility.”
The day ended with dance performances from Tibetans Institute of Performing Arts and artistes and singers from various parts of the Kham.
