By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, May 16: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama today presided over a ceremony marking the 10th day of the Saka Dawa mani retreat at the Thekchen Chöling Tsuglakhang here.
Attended by Hundreds of devotees including monks, nuns and the general public, the prayer began at the start of the Saka Dawa (Holy fourth month of Lunar Calendar) on May 7 to pray for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and also for the cause of Tibet.
His Holiness arrived in Dharamshala yesterday following a five-day visit to Osaka, Japan from May 9 to 13, where he conducted teachings on Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisatva’s Way of Life’ at the Osaka International Convention Center.
At the final day of the teaching, His Holiness met a group of Taiwanese people who attended his teaching. He said, “I’ve visited (Taiwan) several times. You are heirs to ancient Chinese culture and taking an interest in Buddhism, which is very good. For political reasons I have been unable to come again recently. Ma Ying-jeou was friendly when he was Mayor of Taipei, but became more aloof once he was President.”
He also added that it was understandable that he do not wish to be an inconvenience to anyone. He also stated that from his side he is ready to visit Taiwan if it does not discomfit the government.
Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and officials of Central Tibetan Administration yesterday received the 80-year old Tibetan spiritual leader at the Gaggal Airport.
