By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, July 15: The foremost Buddhist leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama who reached Ladakh earlier last week has begun public engagement as he granted his first public audience on Tuesday.
At his residence in Shiwatsel, Leh, the Tibetan spiritual leader gave an audience to more than 200 devotees from nine different countries, including elderly Tibetans and children with special needs. Offering heartfelt prayers and blessings, His Holiness extended good wishes to all in attendance.
The visit marks the Nobel Peace laureate’s return to Ladakh after two years and comes at the invitation of Ladakh’s religious and political leadership. He is expected to remain in the region for approximately one and a half months, seeking respite from the heavy monsoon rains in Dharamshala and benefiting from Ladakh’s dry and temperate climate.
Unlike previous visits, which involved travel via Delhi and Leh’s civilian airport, the octogenarian Tibetan leader flew directly from his residence in Dharamshala to Leh aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft. He arrived at the region’s military airport at around 10:30 AM on July 12, where he was received with reverence by senior monks, officials, and dignitaries from across Ladakh.
As His Holiness made his way along the 7-kilometre stretch from the airport to the Shiwatsel Palace, thousands of Tibetans, Ladakhis, young and old lined the roads, waving white khatas (ceremonial scarves), burning incense, and showering the motorcade with flowers.
Upon arrival at the Shiwatsel Palace, Ladakh’s leaders presented traditional mandala offerings to His Holiness. In his address, the Dalai Lama emphasised the urgent need to preserve Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the face of growing restrictions inside Chinese-occupied Tibet.
“When I reached the Tibetan border with India, I decided I would have to put all my effort into building institutions that would preserve what we used to have. We have done quite well,” he said.
“In China, the political situation is not stable, but interest in Buddhism is growing. I have received many messages inviting me to visit China, but I feel it would be difficult to teach about Buddhism in a country where there is no freedom—I feel it’s more effective to teach about Buddhism in India.”
He also reminded the Himalayan people of their shared religious and cultural heritage with Tibet, stating, “You people of the Himalayan region share a religion and culture with us, especially our language and literature. I have done all I can to revive and strengthen the bonds between us.”
The full itinerary of His Holiness has not been announced. According to reports, His Holiness plans to travel to Zanskar later this month. Religious teachings and other public events during his stay are yet to be officially scheduled.
