By Tenzin Menkyi
DHARAMSHALA, July 27: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Leh, Ladakh, on Monday for a five –day visit. The 80 year old Buddhist leader was welcomed at the Kusho Bakula Airport by dignitaries including Chering Dorje Lakrook, Minister of State for Cooperative and Ladakh Affairs, Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche, Rigzin Spalbar, Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, and Rigzin Jora, MLA Leh, among others.
Thousands of people including Ladakhi Buddhists and Tibetans in their traditional dresses held Khatas (well-wishing scarfs), flowers and incense on either side of the road to Spituk Monastery where the Tibetan leader headed from the airport.
Arriving at Spituk Monastery, His Holiness briefly met with representatives of various communities. “I’m very happy to see that over the last 10 to 20 years you taken to heart my advice about the need to study the classic texts. I recently completed a hectic tour during which I visited the UK, USA and Germany and before that there were elaborate celebrations of my 80th birthday in Dharamsala. I’m a bit tired, but I thought it would be dry and relaxing here so I have come for a few days. I’ll come again for a longer stay in August next year too; I hope you won’t mind if this time I’m not here for long”, said the Tibetan leader before retiring for the day.
The Tibetan leaders current visit has been requested by Ladakh Buddhist Association, Ladakh Gonpa Association and Spituk Monastery. His Holiness will preside over the Summer Higher Buddhist Council at Spituk Monastery on Wednesday. The Council hosted since last year on tHis Holiness’ recommendations is annually organised by different monastic communities of Ladakh. Spituk Galden Dhargeyling is hosting the meeting.
His Holiness will participate in an interaction session with Ladakhi youth on Tuesday, and give teachings on Lojong Tsig Gyad ma on Thursday.
