His Holiness the Dalai Lama was welcomed to TIPA on October 29 for their 60th anniversary celebration with performances of dance and song.
TIPA artists performed a special song of thanksgiving for His Holiness, with the message, “Although we can’t repay your kindness to us, we promise to do our best to fulfil your vision”.
In his address, His Holiness recalled how Tibet’s King King Songtsen Gampo initiated the set up of the Tibetan script and King Trisong Detsen welcomed scholars from India to establish Buddhism in Tibet; this enabled the successful translation of Buddhist literature into Tibetan.
“Buddhism was firmly established on Tibetan soil as a result of the King, Trisong Detsen, the Abbot, Shantarakshita and the Adept, Padmasambhava, working together […] The Nalanda Tradition was one of the things that brought us together and has been preserved until today. Indeed, only Tibetans have maintained a complete presentation of the Buddha’s teachings,” said His Holiness.
Photo: Lobsang Dhamchoe /Contact
He acknowledged the support of the government of India and then President of India Pandit Nehru.
“We have worked hard to preserve our culture and traditions”, said His Holiness, “The Tibetan theatrical arts are a valuable part of our heritage and you have done well here to keep them alive. The younger generations will still be able to take them forward […]Don’t lose heart, keep your hopes bright. I’ll do my best; I trust you all will too.”
Ngawang Younten, Director of TIPA, said that TIPA came into existence in exile under His Holiness’s direction, and that since its inception, 500 students have graduated from the institute and currently it has 107 members.
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