His Holiness the Dalai Lama‘s visit to Sikkim brought a wave of spiritual awakening and cultural celebration to the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. The revered Tibetan leader was in the city to deliver a teaching on the ‘Thirty-seven Practices of Bodhisattvas’ to a gathering of approximately 40,000 attendees, some of whom had arrived as early as 4:00 am.
Upon his arrival, His Holiness was warmly received by Shri Sonam Lama, the Honorable Minister of the Ecclesiastical Affairs Department, and was later welcomed by H.E. Lakshman Prasad Acharya, the Governor of Sikkim, and Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), the Chief Minister of Sikkim. The event was a significant occasion, marked by the presence of various dignitaries including the Hon. Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, and other esteemed ministers.
During the event, Tsechokling Rinpoché extended a heartfelt welcome to the assembled dignitaries and the public. The Chief Minister of Sikkim, in his address, expressed profound gratitude towards the Dalai Lama for his presence and his teachings, which he said would guide the people towards a path of peace in modern life.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, speaking to the crowd, emphasized the innate desire of all beings, including humans, to be happy and avoid suffering. He pointed out that despite this, humans often engage in activities that bring sorrow. His Holiness stressed the importance of religious harmony and mutual respect, highlighting India’s successful coexistence of various religious traditions. He lamented the division and conflict caused in the name of religion and emphasized the need for secular ethics and cultivating a warm heart for all humanity.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama‘s teaching focused on the ‘Thirty-seven Practices of Bodhisattvas,’ a text that offers guidance on cultivating bodhichitta (the mind of enlightenment) and understanding emptiness. His Holiness discussed the practices outlined in the text, including giving up attachment, the importance of ethical discipline, and the cultivation of wisdom.
The day’s events also included cultural presentations from the Sikkim Cultural Department and the Tibetan community, representing the three provinces of Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated two significant projects virtually: the Karmapa Park Project at Rumtek and the Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo Statue in East Sikkim.
Shri Sonam Lama, expressing his gratitude, remarked on the strong historical connections between the Dalai Lamas and Sikkim. He thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the event, which concluded with the recitation of auspicious verses.
This visit by His Holiness the Dalai Lama was not just a religious teaching but also a celebration of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage shared between Tibet and Sikkim. It underscored the importance of compassion, wisdom, and ethical living in modern society.
(Report based on inputs from His Holiness’ official website)
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