Dharamsala, HP, India – His Holiness the Dalai Lama participated in a vibrant gathering at the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, this morning, where he was serenaded by opera singers from various Tibetan settlements. The occasion was part of a unique cultural preservation effort following the Sho-tön Opera Festival. His Holiness took his seat in the temple’s veranda to enjoy the performances, a testament to the thriving Tibetan culture in exile.
The performers, totaling 353 from different opera groups, convened in the temple courtyard, each group taking turns to sing. The opera began with a lead singer from the Bhandra Tibetan settlement, delivering a heartfelt prayer for the long life of His Holiness. This spiritual serenade was followed by other performers from settlements such as Chauntra TCV School and Mainpat, each adding their voices in a display of unity and cultural reverence.
As reported by the official website of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader reminisced about the Sho-tön Opera Festival being one of his favorite holidays back in Lhasa, expressing joy at the chance to witness similar performances in exile. “I was always excited by the prospect,” His Holiness shared with the audience, reflecting on the rich musical traditions of his homeland.
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The event also served as a platform for His Holiness to emphasize the importance of cultural preservation under challenging circumstances. He noted the restrictions faced by Tibetans in their homeland, praising the efforts of those in exile for keeping their traditions alive. “For more than a thousand years we have kept our traditions alive,” His Holiness stated, underscoring the resilience of the Tibetan people.
A significant part of the gathering was the participation of the Tibetan Women’s Association, whose members His Holiness acknowledged for their vital role in preserving Tibetan culture, particularly the values of love and compassion.
In a poignant moment, His Holiness expressed his hopes for longevity, linked closely with his responsibilities as a leader. “I’m nearly 90 now but I feel quite confident, as the prayer says: ‘May you live for a hundred years…,’ that I may live to be 110,” he declared, highlighting the faith placed in him by Tibetans both inside Tibet and in exile.
The event concluded with a joyful expression of song and dance in the temple courtyard as His Holiness departed, leaving a lasting impression of community and spiritual strength among the attendees.
This gathering not only showcased the rich cultural tapestry of the Tibetan people but also highlighted their unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. As His Holiness the Dalai Lama continues to lead and inspire, the message of resilience and hope resonates strongly with Tibetans everywhere.
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