MUNDGOD, December 26: His Holiness the Dalai Lama today thanked the government of Karnataka for its assistance in setting up the three monastic universities, one of the most important and largest centres of learning the Tibetan Buddhism based on the Nalanda Tradition.
The Tibetan leader was speaking at a function in his honor arranged by the people of Mon and government of Arunachal Pradesh, and also to officially launch a project by the Karnataka government, prior to the teachings on Lamrim Commentaries today.
An entire team from Arunachal comprising of Kiren Rijiju, minister of state for home affairs, govt of India; and Pema Khandu, minister of Tourism and Water Resources, Arunachal Pradesh; and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony to honor the Tibetan leader and also mark 55 years since the TIbetan leader gave his first ever discourse in exile in Mon in 1959.
The state government of Arunachal of which Mon is a region bestowed upon the Tibetan leader an award to express their gratitude and devotion to the Tibetan leader who passed through Khenzimani pass in Arunachal during his escape in 1959.
Also present at the event were Sri R. V. Deshpande, minister of higher education and tourism; Karanataka; and Tibetan PM Lobsang Sangay.
The Tibetan leader appreciated the people of Mon for their unwavering devotion and faith over the years. Tibetan leader asked if they understood his Tibetan. “Perhaps, if you give me little bit Mon-chang (alcoholic brewerage from Mon), I might speak the Monpa dialect,” he said.
The Tibetan leader said the Karnataka government has been of immense help to the Tibetan people since the first days of exile when the then Karanataka Chief Minister S Nijalingappa generously took initiative in ensuring the Tibetan refugees were taken care of, including the setting up of the three monastic universities in Karnataka.
“The great ancient Indian tradition of Nalanda which is so relevant even in today’s world and beneficial to entire humanity is well preserved here by the Tibetans. So we have contributed quite in the field of education and culture, so we do our job and you support us financially,” he jokingly said pointing at minister Deshpande.
His Holiness said most of the great scholars and thinkers of Nalanda University were from South India. “I jokingly tell people that there must be something in the coconut to make one’s brain sharper”, said the Tibetan leader.
The Tibetan leader officially launched a project by the ministry of tourism, govt of Karnataka, to build a Yatri Niwas (travellers’ home) to provide accommodation for tourists and pilgrims visiting the Tibetan settlement here and renovate the roads.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju expressed his appreciation to His Holiness for his endeavors in promoting peace and reconciliation at a time of immense violence and hatred around the world. “We need to be blessed and enlightened by you, your holiness”, said Rijiju.
On Tibet’s loss of its independence and coming to exile, Rijiju said, “We feel sad, it is a tragedy but the only gain we have in India is that we have this opportunity of His Holiness the Dalai Lama living in India.
“His Holiness always says India is Guru and Tibet is Chela but for me and for the government of India, and for the people of India, your holiness, you are living guru of India, you are living guru of the world. You are the symbol of peace; you are the symbol of benevolence,” added Rijiju.
Before resuming his teaching on the Lamrim commentaries, His Holiness participated in a long-life offering ceremony requested by the Barkham Community headed by Drakyab Rinpoche.
