Vijawada – Take along some Tibetan tips while attending the mega Buddhist event, the Kalachakra Empowerment 2006, next month at Amaravati in Guntur district.
Knowing and following Tibetan system of respecting others could prove to be of great help while attending the discourses of Dalai Lama, considered the Ocean of Knowledge and Buddha incarnate, at the Kalachakra.
Norbulingka Institute, the organiser of the spiritual event, is advising the tourists to bring along a cushion, a scarf and a plastic bag. When one leaves his cushion or scarf at the venue, it indicates that the place has already been reserved. This system, similar to the informal kerchief system of reservation in many parts of our country, ensures that a devotee can sit at the same place everyday. It’s a no-hassle way of seating arrangement.
Why carry a plastic bag? According to Tibetan custom, the devout will squat at the venue while listening to the Dalai. Tibetans put on footwear all the time, even in the presence of the spiritual leader. However, they have to remove the footwear and carry it in a plastic bag while passing through the sitting crowds. ‘‘Your footwear could touch the squatting devotees. This amounts to kicking and is considered highly disrespectful. So you have to remove and carry them in your hands. But, even then the footwear could be close to the faces and bodies of the people. This again is disrespectful. So, carry them in a plastic bag,’’ explained a Norbuklingka representative. Also, one is advised to carry their cup as it is customary to serve tea to the devout while the address is on.
The organisers are also advising the tourists to carry an FM radio and headphones if they wish to listen to the simultaneous translation of Dalai Lama’s speech, which by rule, is always in Tibetan language. Headphones, while enabling one to listen to the translation clearly, also do not cause disturbance to others.
Dalai Lama insists that those who sit in the hot sun, should cover their heads by wearing either a cap or a scarf or an umbrella. Carrying sun glasses and sun-screen lotions is also advisable.
While the Dalai has no dress code preferences for the public during open meetings, one is advised to dress modestly while attending his discourses.
