By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, February 25: A four-day event to celebrate the kindness of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to offer gratitude to the Tibetan leader including a series of debates commenced at the Gyuto Monastery here at Sidhbari near here.
‘Gelug organizing committee of His Holiness’s long life prayer and gratitude,’ on the occasion of the Dalai Lama’s 80th birth anniversary, held debates and discussions on the life of the Dalai Lama, his literary works and his religious and political endeavors.
His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest along with Kirti Rinpoche as the special guest. Officials of the Central Tibetan Administration and representatives of various NGOs, monasteries and schools were also present.
“Out of all the human races in the world, I feel we Tibetans are the most fortunate to be born under the leadership and guidance His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. It is important that we recognize the reason for all the love and care shown towards us,” said Tai Situ Rinpoche.
Calling the event an important step in recognizing the significance of His Holiness, Situ Rinpoche lauded the organizing committee for organizing the event.
Addressing the importance of the harmonious existence of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism, he said that there have been few incidents of covetousness and disagreements amongst the different schools. “However, we should all take examples from His Holiness and strive for a harmonious existence.”
“We all are aware how grateful we are to His Holiness for his leadership. It is important that we discuss on how we could practice and follow the teachings and instructions of His Holiness on religion, culture and heritage for generations to come,” said Kirti Rinpoche.
He also said that such efforts should begin from the present generation while the scholars on His Holiness’s teachings are still alive.
Kirti Rinpoche also highlighted the introduction of Geshema degree for Tibetan nuns as one of the greatest changes introduced under His Holiness’ guidance to empower women. The first ever batch of Geshema will graduate this year after the completion of the four-year examination process. The first round of examination took place in 2013.
The four-day event encompasses over 20 debates on topics ranging from His Holiness and his education plans to political responsibilities, Tibetan medicine, Democracy, and the association with modern science.
The speakers will also deliberate on his ways to resolve the Tibetan issues and his efforts to unite all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The proceedings will conclude on February 28.
