CTA postpones Kalachakra Initiation for one year

DHARAMSALA, Aug 31: The elected political head of the Tibetan people, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay at a press conference held in the morning today announced Kashag’s decision to cancel the Kalachakra Initiation to be held at Bodh Gaya in January 2016 and postpone the event for a year.

Sikyong Sangay cited Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s extensive schedule lined up in the coming months as reasons for canceling the much awaited Buddhist event.

124-300x196
Sikyong Sangay (centre) flanked by CTA’s Kalon for Department of Religion, Pema Chinjor (left) and Kalon for Department of Security, Ngodrup Drogchung (right) at the press conference.

“His Holiness has an extensive schedule lined up in the coming months including a week-long visit to England in September; a three-week visit to the US in October; teaching programs and visits in India in November and a three-week teaching program in South India in December. Particularly, the preparation for next year’s Kalachakra requires longer time than other rituals to be performed by His Holiness, which are highly strenuous,” Sikyong Sangay explained.

“Moreover, the second special general meeting of the Tibetan people and the Head of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon tradition during the 80th birthday celebrations have requested to make His Holiness’ programs less exhaustive. There have been similar requests from concerned people including Tibetans inside Tibet,” he added.

“In view of the above reasons, the Central Tibetan Administration has requested His Holiness to reduce his schedule to which he has kindly agreed. Therefore, the Central Tibetan Administration would like to announce that the Kalachakra has been postponed for one year. The Central Tibetan Administration regrets the inconvenience caused to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the sponsors and the members of the organising committee of the Kalachakra Initiation and the devotees from across the world,” Sikyong Sangay concluded.

At the press conference, Sikyong Sangsay was accompanied by CTA’s Kalon for Department of Religion, Pema Chinjor and Kalon for Department of Security, Ngodrup Drogchung.

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *