JOURNAJUNKIE

HH Dalai Lama consecrated statue of Lord Buddha

The dream of many came true today when His Holiness, the XIV^th Dalai Lama consecrated the statue of Lord Buddha at Tathagata Tsal, amidst scores of devotees. In the eminent presence of the Governor of Sikkim, BP Singh, Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, council of ministers and host of other dignitaries, the Tibetan spiritual leader performed the consecration ceremony.

After the ceremony while addressing the gathering HH was all praise for the CM for conceptualizing the place and drew comparisons with the great emperor Ashoka for his endless devotion towards spreading Buddhism and tirelessly working towards promoting Buddhism. He also expressed his utmost happiness and satisfaction to be at Tathagata Tsal on this momentous occasion.

“Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has done many good works in the state and I pray that all his plans and works succeed in future”, said the Dalai Lama. He thanked the CM for taking initiative to establish the statue of Lord Buddha in Ravangla, a beautiful place where people of different communities have been residing since many years.

“This place is not only for Buddhists but for everyone. Anyone can come here and take pleasure” said HH and added, “Now time has come to built Buddha in our hearts”.

He said that people should not follow others but learn themselves. There is lot to be learned he said and added that he is already nearing late seventies but still enjoys learning.

HH, who had visited Sikkim in 1956 through Nathu-la border recalled his past memories about the state and said the state has been gradually developing which is wonderful.

“We need material development but at the same time our mind should also develop. You cannot buy healthy mind, it must develop through mental training. Only prayer and faith will not bring peace and happiness, it should be developed through study and mental training”, asserted the Dalai Lama.

The Governor, B.P Singh who also addressed the gathering thanked HH for blessing the place and the people of Sikkim with his eminent presence and also highlighted on the teachings of Lord Buddha. He also showered his praise to the CM for conceptualizing the place and coming up with such a beautiful idea.

Later in the afternoon, the teaching of ‘Thirty Seven Practices of Bodhisattva’ was given by HH.