By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 10: With winter fast approaching the hills of Dharamshala, Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama will embark on a 50 day visit to Bodhgaya giving teachings, attending social commitments as well as taking rest, beginning December 26, sources said.
Local media in Gaya reported that Dalai Lama’s aides approached the Gaya district magistrate (DM) Kumar Ravi requesting authority for necessary arrangements of security at venue, cleanliness, power, water and health services. The DM assured support during the Tibetan leader’s stay there, which is expected to draw some 40,000 devotees.
During his stay there, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Sarnath on December 29 and Pune on January 9 and will leave on February 12 back to Dharamshala.
The 82 year old will also give two teachings while in Gaya. Beginning Jan. 5, he will give a three-day teaching on Dharmachakra Parivaretan Sutra on ‘The Four Noble Truths’ (chokyi khorlo korwe do) & ‘Sutra on Dependent Origination’ (tendrel chi do).
His Holiness will also give a three-day teaching on Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta (jangchup semdrel) & Gyalsey Thokme Sangpos’s Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva (laklen sodunma) as well as a long life offering ceremony (tenshug) to His Holiness at the request Lamyn Gegeen Tenzin Jamphel Choijisheinen Tulku from Jan. 14-16.
Prior to his visit to Bihar, the Tibetan leader is scheduled to visit Mundgod and Bylakuppe Tibetan settlements where he will inaugurate new structures and give teachings there.
