The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has arrived in Ladakh this morning after taking an early flight from the national capital to Leh. His Holiness is visiting the region at the request of those people and his 83rd birthday celebrations organised at the Shiwatsel Palace will be graced by His Holiness’s presence.
“After an early departure Delhi Airport this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama took a flight to Leh. He was given a ceremonial welcome on arrival with an ornamental umbrella, horns and drums. He was greeted by former Ganden Throneholder Rizong Rinpoche, Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche and Thiksey Rinpoche, as well as other Lamas. Local officials and representatives of various organizations were also there to pay their respects, including MP Thubten Tsewang and Leh MLA Rigzin Jora, in addition to numerous members of the public.” said the report in the official website of his office.
On arrival at the Shiwatsel Phodrang, the local residence for the spiritual leader, after the welcome ceremony by Ganden Trisur and other dignitaries, His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the gathering there expressing that it is his pleasure to be able to visit Ladakh.
“I am very happy to be here once more,” His Holiness spoke first in Tibetan and then in English. “I seem to be physically fit and if that continues I hope to spend some time here, avoiding the monsoon on the plains. You people of Ladakh have a special bond with me based on your faith and loving-kindness, of which I am very appreciative.”
According to the official website of Central Tibetan Administration, a grand celebration in honour of the 83rd birthday of His Holiness is scheduled to take place at Shiwatsel Phodrang. From 10 to 12 July, His Holiness will give teachings on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisatva’s Way of Life (Tib: Chodjug). He will also participate in the Yarcho Chenmo-the annual ‘Summer Buddhist Council’ of philosophical debate and discussion – from July 18 to 20 at Samstanling Gonpa Sumoor in Nubra besides teachings in Nubra as well as in Leh at Shiwatsel teaching ground.
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