By Tenzin Palkyi, Phayul Special Correspondent
Washington, DC: The ten-day Kalachakra ‘Wheel of Time’ teachings wrapped up July 16 in Washington DC with His Holiness the Dalai Lama dismantling the intricate sand mandala constructed by Tibetan monks from the India-based Namgyal monastery over a few days. The mandala is ritualistically destroyed at the end of every Kalachakra teachings to symbolise impermanence.
Earlier in the day, His Holiness conferred long-life empowerment to the audience following which the Capital Area Tibetan Association (CATA) led a grand procession of Tenshug (long-life offerings) to His Holiness.
His Holiness reassured the audience of his splendid health, and said although he had been very busy the last ten days with the Kalachakra teachings and meetings with various officials in the nation’s capital, he has no feeling of tiredness.
Calling himself just one of the nearly 7 billion humans in this world, His Holiness reminded the audience to make every effort to lead a more meaningful and positive individual life. He added, “leading a meaningful life creates sufficient causes for a next good life”.
Also, in keeping with His Holiness’s commitment to financial transparency, Mr. Kalden Lodoe, President of CATA reported a rough estimate of the income and expense related to the Kalachakra event. An audited financial statement will be posted on the Kalachakra website when available.
Thirty percent of the net income generated from this event will be donated to various national and international charities, while another thirty will be used for educational and Tibetan cultural awareness activities of CATA. The remaining forty percent will be donated to the Dalai Lama Trust.
Another highlight of the day was Katri Samdhong Rinpoche being recognised with an award for his decades of service to the Tibetan people by the North American Tibetan Associations (NATA). Recounting Rinpoche’s accomplishments, Ms Dicki Chhoyang, Tibetan Parliamentarian representing North America called him “a leader of innovation and reform …[and] the most remarkable leader of our time”.
NATA declared a scholarship program in honor of Katri Samdhong Rinpoche, which will provide financial support to five Tibetan students pursuing PhD studies in India.
Mr. Lodoe concluded the event by thanking every one associated with organising this historic Kalachakra event. “This overwhelming positive response to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching is a resounding affirmation of the admiration and respect he enjoys globally”.
This is His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 31st Kalachakra empowerment. The event is organised by Capital Area Tibetan Association.
His Holiness leaves for Chicago on July 17 for a two-day program on “Bridging the Faith Divide” organised by the Theosophical Society. The programmess will be webcast on http://iclips.net/watch/dalai-lama-public-talk.
