About 4,000 Tibetans lined up for hours and packed a centre to greet the spiritual leader.
By TOM GODFREY, SUN MEDIA
TORONTO, November 1: Local Tibetans wept, prayed and some kissed the ground in respect as the Dalai Lama walked on stage yesterday to bless a west-end centre and spend some quality time with followers.
About 4,000 Tibetans from across the GTA packed the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre on Titan Rd. in Etobicoke to get a close look at the 72-year-old spiritual leader and hear him speak for about an hour in their native tongue.
People started arriving in the dark at 5 a.m. and by the time the doors opened two hours later, the long line of devotees stretched for several city blocks.
Security was tight for the visit with followers being scanned with metal detectors before being allowed into the centre, which was also scoured for explosives by police dogs.
An RCMP and Toronto Police security detail escorted the leader from a motorcade and through throngs of well-wishers and performers who sang and played instruments to welcome him to the $3.2 million facility.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner met privately with Toronto Mayor David Miller and other politicians before being led to a large stage, where followers welcomed him with loud prayers and applause.
“This is quite a moving experience,” said Namgyal Nangsetsang of the Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario. “Just being in the same room as His Holiness is an experience beyond words.”
A costumed Palden Donla said her Gayalshey group performed a traditional Tibetan dance to welcome the leader.
“It is a very special dance,” Donla said. “It is meant for very special occasions.”
For Tenzin Chogkyi, 25, and her friend, Tenzin Dolkar, 24, it was a dream come true to see their spiritual master.
“We are here to show our respect and allegiance,” Chogkyi said.
“He is our leader and we are here to get his blessing.” Tenzin Khedup, 42, said the community was fortunate to have the Dalai Lama bless the centre.
“This is a very important day for the community and the city,” Khedup said. “A lot of people took time off work.”
