By Tenzin Dickyi
The Tibetan spritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama took part in the International festival of Buddhist Music and Ritual here in Delhi on 8th October. The festival was organized by Tibet house in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, Government of India and India Habitat Centre to commemorate 2550th year of Mahaparinirvana of Sakyamuni Buddha.
The day began with the arrival of His Holiness at Buddha Jayanti Park around 9 am where more than Thousands of Tibetans gathered together to welcome His Holiness. It was soon followed by the chanting festival featuring Chanting of Tisarana in Pali by Olande Ananda Thera and group and Arya-triratna-anusmriti-sutram in Sanskrit by Prof. G.C. Tripathi and group.
As His Holiness takes seat, prayers and chants by Tibetans monks and nuns commenced. The Golden procession was led by 108 Tibetan monks and nuns who were in their original and ethnic attire.
Before His Holiness began his teaching for the day, there were chantings from various groups in their own languages. Lotus Sutra in Japanese led by Odashi Rev. Fukuoka, Pacchima Sutta in Thai led by Ven. Mae-chee Sansanee Sthirasuta, Heart Sutra in Korean led by Ven. Ma Myoung Chan (Ilun), Heart Sutra in Vietnamese led by Ven. Vo Mong Doc Lap and Heart Sutra in Sanskritby Vidya Rao.
Later His Holiness gave teaching on ‘Eight-Fold Noble path’. He introduced the teaching in English prior to speaking in Tibetan as His Holiness expressed that he is most comfortable speaking in his mother tongue. The teaching was translated for the foreigners by Geshe Dorjee Damdul.
In the afternoon His Holiness sat for an exclusive group audience for the participating artistes and released Tibet House publication ‘Tibet House: Mission And Activities’ and gave a brief talk on ‘Importance of Inter-Cultural Activities for a Deeper International Understanding’. His Holiness participated in a full day engagements organized by Tibet House, New Delhi.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama left for Czech Republic this early morning to attend the International Forum 2000 conference under the auspices of former President Vaclav Havel. This is His Holiness’s sixth visit to the place.
