-by dalailama.com

By   —  Shyamal Sinha

Today is the fifteenth day of the first month of the Tibetan Calendar, and the culmination of the annual Great Prayer Festival (Monlam Chenmo), a two-week-long festival that begins with the Tibetan New Year.

In accordance with our tradition of dedicating the merit gained from these prayers for the well-being of all sentient beings, this year too I fervently pray for greater peace and understanding in our world. It saddens me to see so many people suffering as a result of conflict, in Ukraine, in Gaza, and other parts of the world. By now we might have hoped that human beings would have learned from our history of violence. In all such conflicts, it is the innocent who bear the heaviest burden—living in fear, facing the loss of so much, even our lives, and constantly enduring the challenge of uncertainty.

One simple truth remains: every human being, each and every one of us, wishes not to suffer and only wants to be happy. If we recognise our shared humanity, recalling that the welfare of one depends on the welfare of all, I truly believe we can find a peaceful resolution to even the most intractable conflicts. But to do so requires a willingness to enter into dialogue and negotiation. I therefore appeal for concerted efforts to create a more compassionate, peaceful world free from violence.

With my prayers and good wishes,

The Dalai Lama

14 March 2025

CTA Leadership and Staff Gather at Tsuglagkhang to Make Tsetor Offerings on the First Day of Losar.

By   — Shyamal Sinha

In the early morning of the first day of Losar (28 February 2025), the Tibetan New Year and the Year of the Wood Snake, the leadership and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration gathered on the rooftop of the Thekchen Choeling Tsuglagkhang in Dharamshala to participate in the customary offering of Tsetor, a sacrificial cake, to the Dharma Protector Goddess Palden Lhamo.

This offering ceremony, held for over 500 years to propitiate Palden Lhamo by successive Dalai Lamas since the time of the Second Dalai Lama, began with the recital of invocation prayers led by the monks of Namgyal Monastery. The ritual then continued in the main prayer hall of Tsuglagkhang, where the Officiating Sikyong Tharlam Dolma Changra offered a mandala before the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

According to historical records, it is said that second Dalai Lama Gendun Gyatso initiated the practice of offering Tsetor after he unveiled the sacred site of Lhamo Latso lake and performed a complex Tsetor ritual offering there. This pivotal act not only marked the beginning of a unique connection between the Dalai Lamas and Palden Lhamo but also established a lasting tradition. Since then, monks of Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of Dalai Lamas, along with Palden Lhamo devotees, have consistently carried out monthly offerings and the special Tsetor ritual on the morning of the first day of the Tibetan New Year, honouring the legacy of this practice without interruption.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Safely Returns to Dharamshala After a Month-and-a-Half-Long Sojourn in Bylakuppe

By   —  Shyamal Sinha

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama returned safely to Dharamshala this morning to an enthusiastic reception from local Tibetans, devotees, and well-wishers, after a nearly six-week stay in Bylakuppe, followed by a couple of days in Hunsur.

At Kangra Airport, His Holiness was warmly welcomed by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, officiating Sikyong Tharlam Dolma Changra (Kalon of the Department of Education), Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement Officer Kunchok Migmar, and other representatives from various Tibetan NGOs based in Dharamshala.

Additionally, a large crowd of Tibetans gathered along the motorcade route at designated viewing points, dressed in traditional robes and holding ceremonial scarves and incense, eager to see His Holiness and catch a glimpse of Him as His vehicle passed by.

Upon entering the gateway to His official residence inside Tsuglagkhang, another group of Tibetan leadership, including Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Kalon Norzin Dolma, Election Commissioner Lobsang Yeshi, Public Service Commissioner Karma Yeshi, members of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, and Secretaries of the Central Tibetan Administration,  were lined up to receive His Holiness.

During His stay in Bylakuppe, His Holiness took part in series of long-life prayers offered by Sera monasteries, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, and Gyudmed Tantric Monastery. His Holiness also participated in a prayer ceremony for the victims of the recent devastating earthquake in Tibet and attended a winter debate session at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery on different occasions. On 13 February, His Holiness conferred a long-life empowerment based on White Tara, the Wish-fulfilling Wheel, titled ‘A Stream of Nectar of Immortality’ in the debate yard of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, for devotees and followers from the region and those who had travelled from around the world.

Photo: OHHDL

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s motorcade arriving at the Tibetan settlement in Hunur, Karnataka, India on 16 February 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

By  —  Shyamal Sinha

His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Tibetans, monastic and lay-people, lined the road to see him off. He then drove almost 40kms from Bylakuppé to Hunsur, still within Karnataka, the location of Gyumé Tantric College. At Hunsur, the road was lined by smiling Tibetans eager to greet His Holiness. He was welcomed on arrival by the Ganden Trisur Rinpoché, the Shartsé Chöjé, the Abbot and Vice-Abbot of Gyumé and the Representative of Hunsur Settlement. The former Ganden Tri Rinpoché then led the way into the Gyumé assembly hall.

Once His Holiness had taken his seat the Abbot of Gyumé Monastery, Geshé Ngawang Sangyé made prostrations and offered a mandala and representations of the body, speech and mind of enlightenment. The Hunsur MLA Harish Gowd also paid his respects.

As His Holiness walked through the assembly hall, the floor strewn with flower petals, the monks were chanting a Praise of Jetsun Sherab Sengé, founder of their monastery. They followed this with a Praise of Six-armed Mahakala by the Mahasiddha Shawaripa and then a Praise of Dharmaraja by Jé Tsongkhapa. Tea and sweet rice were served and the verses for offering and blessing them invoked Jowojé Atisha, Dromtönpa and Tsongkhapa.

The Abbot of Gyumé Monastery, Geshé Ngawang Sangyé, offering a mandala to His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the welcome ceremony at Gyumé Tantric College in Hunsur, Karnataka, India on 16 February 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

His Holiness addressed the gathering:

“Although it was quite a long drive to get here, I don’t feel tired.

“Wherever Tibetans have settled they seem quite pleased to see me. I easily make friends with people and they have regard for me as the person who bears the name Dalai Lama. I was born in Do-mé or Amdo and later moved to Central Tibet where I was able to study Buddhist philosophy, logic and so forth with my tutors. My debate assistants were very kind to me too and with their help I was able to put my brain to good use.

“In Tibet I visited the great monasteries of Sera, Ganden and Drepung to take my exams. Finally, I was fortunate to be able to take the exam for the degree of Geshé Lharampa in the Jokhang in Lhasa. As I stood amidst the congregation of scholars at Sera, Ganden and Drepung Monasteries I might have given an impression of confidence, but inside my heart beat rapidly because I was nervous. On the other hand, I was also happy. The debates I engaged in and the examinations I took at the Three Great Seats of Learning went very well.

“So, this person named Lhamo Dhondup, who came such a long way from Amdo, and who bears the name Dalail Lama, has been able to serve the teaching and other beings quite well. Not only Tibetans, but also people who are not traditionally Buddhists are friendly towards me and happy to hear what I have to say. I feel this has made my life worthwhile.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the congregation during the welcome ceremony at Gyumé Tantric College in Hunsur, Karnataka, India on 16 February 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

“I still expect to live another ten or 15 years and will continue to serve the Buddhadharma and the cause of Tibet. This is a contribution I will continue to make.

“We have worked hard, despite living in exile, and because of my interest in science many people who have no religious faith as such, scientists among them, have become my friends. I feel I have been able to serve the Dharma, particularly the tradition of the great master Tsongkhapa that comprises both sutra and tantra, in my discussions with them. I have also engaged in meditation based on his teachings. Consequently, I have been able to uphold the correct view and share it with others, explaining to them how they can transform their minds. Indeed, I have been able to engage in discussions with people from all walks of life.

“After the 13^th Dalai Lama passed away, I was recognized as the reincarnation, so I bear title Dalai Lama and so far I have done my best to serve the Dharma and beings. As I mentioned before, I have seen indications in my dreams that I may live to be 110 years old or more and I feel that I will be able to continue to serve the Dharma and the cause of Tibet.

“I am happy to have been able to reach here today, and you have all been able to pay your respects. If we were still in Tibet, I would be sitting on a high throne unable to interact with the general public. It would all have been formal. However, coming into exile has been quite refreshing because I have been able to meet and interact with all kinds of people from many different walks of life. I want to be able to help people by dealing with them directly, which is what I have been doing since coming into exile. Talking to people, letting them know what I think, rather than remaining aloof, accords with my own nature.

Members of the audience listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at during the welcome ceremony at Gyumé Tantric College in Hunsur, Karnataka, India on 16 February 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

“At Gyumé Tantric College you are known for chanting in the voice of Yamantaka.
Your trust in me has been the basis of a strong, immutable spiritual bond between us—for which I would like to thank you. As Tibetans there may differences between us depending on where we come from and who our own teachers are, but we share a common way of thinking. We have kept alive the teaching that the Buddha gave more than two thousand five hundred years ago.

“The Buddhadharma came to Tibet during the reigns of the Dharma Kings and we have been able to keep the complete teaching of the Buddha alive since then and we share a determination to continue to do so.

“I am someone who bears the title Dalai Lama and the responsibility of the Dalai Lamas is to preserve the teaching of the Buddha. The extent to which the Buddhadharma has spread during my time seems to have been much greater than under previous Dalai Lamas. I have tried to spread the message of the importance of maintaining a good heart, of being a good person, rather than just being religious. This message has been widely recognized and appreciated. You, monks of the Tantric College, have been serving the Dalai Lamas very well and that’s all I have to say today. Thank you.”

His Holiness then retired to the rooms that had been prepared for him. Tomorrow, the monks of Gyumé Tantric College will offer prayers for his long life.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama meeting with senior monks before the start of the Long Life Prayer at Sera Lachi in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on February 5, 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

By  —  Shyamal Sinha

This morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, where he has been staying for the past month, and took a short drive to Sera Lachi Monastery where Prayers for his Long Life were to be offered. Having reached the monastery assembly hall His Holiness first went upstairs to meet Ganden Tri Rinpoché, the Shartsé and Jangtsé Chöjés, as well as the abbots of eleven monastic centres of learning—Sera Mé and Sera Jé, Drepung Gomang and Drepung Loseling, Ganden Shartsé and Ganden Jangtsé, Gyutö and Gyumé Tantric Colleges, Tashi Lhunpo, Ségyu and Ratö.

“Only Tibet has preserved the complete teaching of the Buddha, and the rigorous study of it through reason and logic,” he told them. “Because this tradition includes very effective methods for transforming the mind, we should make efforts to preserve it. We should also do so because the understanding of the workings of our mind and emotions that is part of our spiritual heritage is not to be found in any other spiritual tradition. Our understanding of psychology provides us with excellent tools for tackling our mental afflictions and cultivating positive emotions. And after studying them thoroughly we can use these tools to transform our minds. Therefore, our study of classic Buddhist texts leads to practical benefits.”

While this meeting was taking place, the congregation in the assembly hall recited prayers including the ‘Three Continuums’ in praise of the Buddha and the ‘Praise for the 17 Masters of Nalanda’, as well as His Holiness’s name mantra.

Having lit a butter lamp on the altar behind the throne, His Holiness took his seat facing the assembly. To his left sat the former Ganden Tri Rinpoché, the Jangtsé Chöjé and abbots of the eleven monasteries. To his right sat the present Ganden Tri Rinpoché, Geshé Lharampa Lobsang Dorjé, and staff of the Ganden Phodrang. Officials from the Central Tibetan Administration sat with the monks in the front row of the congregation. The long-life prayer based upon the ‘Offering to the Spiritual Master’, the ‘Lama Chöpa’, began.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama enjoying a doughnut during the Long Life Prayer at Sera Lachi in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on February 5, 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

Tea and doughnuts were distributed. The tea was blessed with the recitation of a verse offering it to Jé Tsongkhapa and his two chief disciples.

This tea I offer to the three, the Father and his spiritual sons:
Tsongkhapa, trailblazer of the Buddhist tradition in Tibet,
Gyaltsap-jé, lord of reason and logic, and
Khedrup-jé, custodian of Sutra and Tantra teachings.

The doughnuts were blessed as follows:

This sumptuous offering of food with myriad flavours,
Flowers, fragrant incense, and lamps,
Actually displayed and mentally conjured up,
I offer to you, supreme field of merit.

After this, ceremonial sweet rice was served. Recitation of the ‘Lama Chöpa’ reached the poignant chanting of the  Tsog Offering.

As the Vajra Master presiding over this ceremony, the Jangtsé Chöjé, Gosok Rinpoché, recited the request for His Holiness to live long and presented symbolic offerings such as a cushion marked with a crossed-vajra emblem. Flanked by the Abbots of Sera Mé and Sera Jé he first offered a mandala to His Holiness followed by representations of the body, speech and mind of enlightenment, a monk’s upper robe (namjar), a seat cover (dingwa), a monks lower robe, a monk’s staff (kharsil ), symbols of the eight auspicious objects, the seven royal emblems and eight auspicious substances.

Jangtsé Chöjé, Gosok Rinpoché, presenting offerings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Long Life Prayer at Sera Lachi in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on February 5, 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

The prayer for His Holiness’s long life composed by his two Tutors was recited as representatives of International Geluk Orgainsations and sponsors of this ceremony came forward to receive His Holiness’s blessings. The new Shartsé Chöjé offered a thanksgiving mandala. Staff of Sera Monastery came forward to receive blessings.

His Holiness then addressed the congregation: “Today, this Long-life Ceremony has been performed here in Sera. The monks of the three great monastic universities, Sera, Ganden and Drepung have placed firm faith and devotion in me for so many decades. I always feel close to these monastic institutions and the monks there treat me with especial respect. The trust and bond between us is unwavering. I make prayers for the well-being of monks here and in other institutions.

“As a result of my past actions and prayers I have made, I have a special connection with the Tibetan people. And when I think of serving them tears come to my eyes—because of the close feelings I have for them. From the depths of my heart, I will always be dedicated to the cause of Tibet and the thriving of the Dharma there, and in this connection, there are indications that I may live to be 110 years old.

Monks holding offerings for His Holiness the Dalai Lama lined up outside Sera Lachi during the Long Life Prayer offered by Sera Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on February 5, 2025. Photo by Ven Zamling Norbu

“These monastic institutions, Sera, Ganden, Drepung and so forth are revered by people around the world who take interest in studying Buddhist philosophy. Many of these people, scientists especially, also treat me with special regard. They are attracted by the psychology that is part of our tradition.

“I will live a long life and I pray that the special bond I have with Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, as well as others who treat me with respect, will persist. That’s all I wish to say. You’ve offered these prayers for my long life with the single-pointed dedication of everyone concerned—and I have been glad to accept them.

“I can tell you that I will live to be 110 or more. So far, I have done my best to serve the people and Buddhadharma of Tibet. You in turn have offered these prayers for my long life. I would like to thank all of you.” Applause rippled through the crowd.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the congregation during the Long Life Prayer at Sera Lachi in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on February 5, 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

There were still verses from the Lama Chöpa to be recited from:

You are the Guru; you are the Deity; you are the Skyfarers and Religious Protectors.
From now until enlightenment, I shall seek no refuge other than you.
In this life, the intermediate state and all future lives, hold me with your hook of compassion.
Free me from fears of cyclic existence and peace, grant all attainments,
Be my constant friend and guard me against interference.

The ceremony came to a close with a verse of dedication for the flourishing of the tradition of Jé Tsongkhapa

May all be auspicious for the Buddhas’ teachings to endure
Omniscient Lobsang Dr’ag-pa, through your centres of the doctrine,
Being filled with hosts of monks and yogis striving
Single-pointedly to master the three pure trainings.

Teachers and students from Sera Mé and Sera Jé Monasteries posed individually and in groups to have their photographs taken with His Holiness—and he was then invited to lunch.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arriving at dabate ground of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery to attend the Gaden Jamchod and Riktsog Winter Debating Session in Bylakuppe, Karnataka. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

By  —  Shyamal Sinha

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama attended a presentation of debate skills by monk-scholars from the major Geluk monastic centres of learning, who are participating in the Jamchö and Ritsog Winter Debate Session as part of the six year Geshé Lharampa programme at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery re-established in South India. The word ‘Jamchö’ refers to treatises by Maitreya, while ‘Riktsog’ refers to Nagarjuna’s ‘Six Collections of Reasoning’. An estimated 1500 monks were present.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arriving at the debate courtyard at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on 18 January 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

His Holiness came down through the temple and at the steps before the door climbed into a golfcart. He then drove down to the debate courtyard in front of the temple and past the golden statue of the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo mounted on a horse.

The monks had gathered early in the morning and while waiting for His Holiness’s arrival recited the mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha. As he approached, they switched to reciting his name mantra. Once he reached the edge of the assembly of monks His Holiness got down from the golfcart and walked to where he took his seat facing the monks. They then chanted the ‘Praise to the Seventeen Masters of Nalanda’. Sharpa Chöjé Rinpoché sat to his right.

The first debate began with monks from Ganden Shartsé and Drepung Loseling posing as challengers while monks from Ratö and Drepung Gomang were respondents. To begin with they focussed on two lines from Nagarjuna’s ‘Fundamental Wisdom’, the ‘Mulamadhyamikakarika’. The debating monks touched on topics discussed in the various chapters of ‘Fundamental Wisdom’ including the assertions of lower schools of philosophy that things exist inherently because they have been produced. They discussed the ignorance of grasping at inherent existence, how dependent arising complements emptiness, and whether Arya Bodhisattvas perceive emptiness while they are fully absorbed in emptiness.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama looks on as debaters respond to challenges at the debate courtyard at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on 18 January 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

During the second debate monks from Tashi Lhunpo and Gaden Jangtsé stood as challengers while monks from Sera Jé and Sera Mé sat as respondents. Their debate focussed on the topic of Buddha Nature as it is explained in Maitreya’s ‘Sublime Continuum of the Great Vehicle’, the ‘Mahayana Uttaratantra’.

Challenged to say what the meaning of Buddha Nature is, the respondents declared that it is the main cause for accomplishing buddhahood. The debate went on to discuss the naturally abiding Buddha Nature and progressively nurtured Buddha Nature. As the vigorous debate reached a conclusion auspicious lines were said to bring it to a formal end. Representative of the debating monks sought His Holiness’s blessing for them and their colleagues.

Monks posing questions during the debates at the debate courtyard at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on January 18, 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

In a brief address to the gathering His Holiness mentioned how effective debate is as a method for overcoming misconceptions about reality.

“When I was studying, I used to practise debate with my debating assistants. I found it helped me a great deal when I encountered points that needed clarification. Debate really helped me gain insight and understanding of different topics.

“When we debate, we employ different logical processes. It is said that when you are able to persuade your opponent to concede to the truth of something that isn’t actually true, you have really become a proficient debater. Still, this may be simply an intellectual accomplishment. The real point of engaging in argument and debate however is to transform our minds. This we can do by coming to understand the various topics we’ve been studying in the light of logic and reason. It is in this context that debate is so important for enhancing our understanding. I feel that it is particularly effective.

“You have presented your debate skills here in front of me today and I’d like to thank you.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the gathering at the debate courtyard at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on 18 January 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor

“When I was studying, I had several debate assistants among whom was one Déyang Rinpoché. He wasn’t as bright as some of the other debate assistants so when I debated with him, I used to win.

“Anyway, what I really want to stress to you is that debate is immensely effective method for helping us understand what we’ve been studying. Of course, there are other religious traditions such as Hinduism and so forth that are founded on faith. But in our studies of Buddhism, we investigate what the Buddha taught through the medium of debate. In the company of my debating assistants, I was able to investigate the teaching of the Buddha, which I found very beneficial. So, I would urge you too to delve into the teaching of the Buddha by employing logic and reasoning. Please, do your best in your studies.

“That’s all I have to say today.”

As His Holiness left the debate courtyard the monks chanted the prayer for his long life composed by his two tutors Kyabjé Ling Rinpoché and Kyabjé Trijang Rinpoché. In the golfcart he drove once more round the statue of Songtsen Gampo and up the driveway to the temple porch on his way back to where he is staying.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama departing from the debate courtyard of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery after attending a debate session in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on 18 January 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor