Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama

By Tenzin Samten / November 4, 2015;

Tsugla-Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala on November 3, 2015
Photo: vot.org

Exiled Tibetans from around India gathered with other Buddhists at Tsugla-Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala on November 3 for a long life prayer offering (Tenshug) for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who turned 80 this year.

His Holiness was honoured with two gold awards, presented by the organisers of the Tenshug:Barkham Rongpo Shogka Chaegay; Barkham Sokshoe Association; Barkham TridodoTenshug committee and the Do-toe Cholka committee.

Lobsang Sangay, the Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of Tibetan parliament along with other officials of Tibetan Government-in-exile also attended the prayer service.

His Holiness imparted teachings, with an introduction to Buddhism, compassion and empowerment.

His Holiness addresses the crowd gathered for long life prayer offering for His Holiness
Photo:Choenyi Sangpo/TPI

Speaking about why Tibetan is the best language to study Buddhism, His Holiness said that before Buddhism came to Tibet, the Tibetan language didn’t use a vast vocabulary. To enable people to learn the Buddha dharma in Tibetan, volumes of Buddha’s teachings were translated from Indian into Tibetan. In doing so, Tibetans began to coin new words. So he said that is the reason that the Tibetan language has become very rich in vocabulary when it comes to understanding the philosophy of Buddhism.

To emphases the importance of younger generations to continue the dedication and hard work of the older generation, the 80-year-old Tibetan leader said, “our generation has come to an end and it is almost over. Younger generations in both Tibet and exile need to shoulder responsibility and carry on with the hard work of the older generation.”

The gathering was concluded with dance performances from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and other artists followed by an open luncheon for the public.

The prayer offering was planned in accordance with Lha Bab Duchen, a Buddhist festival to observe the descent of Buddha from heaven back to the earth.