More than two years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Friday visited people for the first time and said he was in good health. He said that he was scheduled to go to Delhi for a regular medical check-up, but he did not go as “he is in good health and can also box with a doctor”.
The Dalai Lama, while addressing the gathering, also gave a brief retelling of the Jataka tales (tales of the former birth of Mahatma Buddha). After this, a program to generate bodhichitta (awakened mind) was also organized at the main Tibetan monastery at Sugalkhang here. The gathering included thousands of Tibetans, including Buddhist monks and members of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
According to news agency ANI, Tibetan MP Tenzing Jigme said, ‘It is a very beautiful day and we will see them after more than 2 years. One of the most fortunate things today is that they are fine and healthy. We wish him a long life. We are glad to see him healthy and fine.
Addressing the school children, the Dalai Lama said that he had sought help from former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to set up schools where Tibetan children could receive education in Tibetan. He said that even if they are physically in exile, ‘Tibetans in India and elsewhere feel closer to their own traditions, religion and culture.’
The Dalai Lama said that he is trying his best and he should also try to save the heritage. “I live here in exile as a guest of the Government of India, but my thoughts have always been on Tibet and Tibetan cultural traditions,” he said.
(with language input)