His Holiness inaugurates new community hall, calls youngsters future seeds of Tibet
DHARAMSALA, July 4: After completing the inauguration of the Kalachakra initiation that involved various rituals, including preparation of the construction of Kalachakra sand mandala and a brief introductory teaching at the Kalachakra ground on June 3, His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated a new Tibetan Community Hall at the Tibetan settlement and visited the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School in Choglamsar.
In the presence of the Leh DC, the Superintendent of Police, Minister for Urban Development, Rigzin Jora and the local Tibetan Representative, His holiness inaugurated the new Tibetan Community Hall which has been constructed with the financial help from The Dalai Lama Trust.
After spending some time inside the new hall commenting on the photographs hung on the walls, His Holiness visited the TCV School in Choglamsar.
A crowd of over 10000 people comprising of students, teachers, Tibetans living in Ladakh and those who have arrived from outside for the Kalachakra teachings, awaited him at the school.
Before addressing the crowd, His Holiness presented awards created by ex-Ladakh TCV students to Ama Jetsun Pema and the former Director of Ladakh TCV School, Ven. Lobsang Tenzin for their life- long effort toward providing education for Tibetan children.
Addressing the crowd, His Holiness said: “Historically, Tibetan people are a distinct human race with a rich religious and cultural tradition. Whatever challenges we have faced, we have demonstrated our capacity to overcome those challenges by relying on truth. It has been more than 55 years in exile and during this period we have preserved our rich religious and cultural tradition. And the preservation of our traditions has been done with equal significance given to modern education.”
Calling young students present at the address future seeds of Tibet, His Holiness said:
“Time will keep on moving ahead. Many Tibetans from the past generation have passed away and what remains of yesterday is just a faint memory. You cannot change the past. It is gone. Tomorrow onwards, future is something that you can change and is changeable also. So, all those young Tibetans who are present here, you are the generation of future…you are the future seeds of Tibet, and you have a special responsibility to preserve the rich religious and cultural tradition of the Tibetan people. You should also give equal importance to modern education and through that, work towards the cause of Tibet.”
The Tibetan leader told the elders in the crowd to not only recite the six-syllable mantra (Aum Mani Padme Hun) of Avalokiteshvara but also to dwell on its meaning and practice warm-heartedness for a good rebirth.
“We Tibetans believe in Karma and the concept of rebirth which has been proved to be true as some people can recall their past lives. Since we are disciples of Avalokiteshvara, it will help to recite mani. But rather than just reciting it, one should also dwell on its meaning, think about all the sentient beings and practice warm-heartedness to increase your chances of good rebirth. Hopefully, you might be reborn as a Tibetan in your next life,” His Holiness said.