By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, June 18: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Tuesday arrived in Ladakh after returning to India from a weeklong visit to Italy. The Tibetan leader, who first visited Ladakh in 1967 was welcomed at the Bakula Airport in Leh by Lok Sabha MP Thubten Tsewang and State Tourism Minister Tsewang Rinzin Jhora.
His Holiness will give teachings on Tsongkhapa’s Concise Treatises on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lamrim Dudon) and will confer an Avalokiteshvera Initiation (Chenresig wang) from June 23 to 25 in Padum, Zanskar.
The Tibetan leader headed for the Shiwatsel Phodrang where he briefly met with local leaders including Buddhist masters. The Tibetan Nobel Laureate expressed his happiness to be giving the Kalachakra initiation in Ladakh. The Tibetan leader appreciated the development in the region that was struck by a massive flashflood killing several people and rendering several homeless.
“To become 21st century Buddhists, it is important to study the teachings of the Buddha and have a sound knowledge of modern education. The faith in Buddhism should be developed by studying the teachings of Buddha rather than by mere faith. The monasteries should become centres of learning for the local people,” he added.
His Holiness will give a teaching on The Heart Sutra at Likir Monastery on July 1. From 3 to 5 July His Holiness the Dalai Lama will lead consecration rituals for the Kalachakra venue. From 6 to 8 July, His Holiness will give preliminary teachings on Nagarjuna’s Letter to a Friend. His Holiness will confer the Kalachakra Initiation from 10 to 12 July. On 13 July, His Holiness will confer a long life empowerment and accept long-life prayer offering.
Kalachakra teachings and initiation has been requested by the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gonpa Association.
