By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, February 26: Scores of Tibetan monks and laypeople initiated prayers for the swift recovery of the Tibetan spiritual leader in Kharnang town, Tridu County, Zachukha in the traditional Tibetan province of Kham last week.
The monks of Gaden Shedrup Thupten Phegyal Ling Monastery and the lay people of the region carried out a weeklong-chanting ritual of over million mantras and a mass prayer for the Tibetan spiritual leader, who is currently being treated in the US.
“The weeks’ long prayers and rituals were carried out for the speedy recovery and long life of His Holiness,” Lobsang, a Tibetan from the region now living in exile told the Voice of Tibet.
On the 16th day of the Tibetan New Year (Feb 23), the monks and lay people carried a portrait of the Dalai Lama, the 10th Panchen Lama and the founder of the monastery, Jamyang Tenpe Nyima during ‘the invitation to Maitreya’ ceremony.
“During the ceremony, monks as well as general public vowed to perform rites to aid and virtuous deeds,” said Lobsang.
Reports of Tibetans inside Tibet holding prayers from within the confines of their homes for the Tibetan leader’s health have been reported earlier.
On January 26, thousands of Tibetans including monks and nuns gathered outside Chakri monastery in Tehor region in Kham to pray for the Dalai Lama’s swift recovery.
Similarly, Tibetan diaspora all over the world conducted prayers for the Tibetan leader’s speedy recovery. CTA on January 27 organized a prayer at the Theckchen Choeling Tsuglakhang in Dharamshala for the same.
“I know every Tibetan has been worried since the news of His Holiness’s treatment came out. He is our ultimate leader. On behalf of Kashag, we would like to convey that His Holiness is healthy and doing well,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said at the CTA prayer.
While addressing an audience of 3,000 people at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota on Feb 22, the Tibetan leader assured that he was in good health and thanked the Tibetans and his followers for praying and initiating rituals for his recovery.
