McLeod Ganj, 19th March: His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he is in good condition and can “even play boxing with the doctor” in his first public appearance in almost two years since the Covid outbreak here at Tsuglakhang. Thousands of Tibetans, including monks and members of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), were part of the gathering. His Holiness gave short teaching from the Jataka Tales while speaking to the crowd. A ceremony for generating the bodhicitta (semkye) ensued.
He claimed to be “strong and healthy” before beginning the teachings of the Jataka Tales, a revered Buddhist text. He said “I had thought to go to Delhi around now to have a medical check-up. However, I don’t feel unwell, in fact, I feel fit for anything, so I decided not to go. Usually, during the winter, I go to Bodhgaya, but again, this year I decided to relax and take things easy here in Dharamsala. I also threw a ‘mo’ that indicated that this would be the better thing to do.” The gathering erupted in applause and cheers after hearing this news.
The ceremony was held as part of the Great Prayer Festival, and the full moon fell on Friday, the 15th day. Regarding the teaching, His Holiness said, “We have gathered here on this special occasion to remind ourselves that this treasure, the teaching of the Buddha, can only be preserved through study and practice, and in so doing we can benefit other people in many parts of the world.”
The Dalai Lama stated he had sought former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s help to “create dedicated schools where Tibetan children might study in Tibetan” while speaking to some TCV schoolchildren.
He stated that he does his best to protect the legacy and that they(Tibetans) should do the same. “As a guest of the Indian government. Although I live in exile, my thoughts are constantly drawn to Tibet and our Tibetan cultural heritage “The Dalai Lama stated.
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