Leh, Jul 01: Under the clear skies of Leh, the tranquil setting of Ngari Institute became the site of a soulful conclusion to a ten-day residential retreat led by Bodhi Leaf and Tibet House. The final day carried added emotional weight, coinciding with the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as per the Tibetan lunar calendar. The celebration was lovingly hosted by Flowering Dharma.
The day began with a spiritual discourse, followed by a blend of prayer, song, and offerings. Throughout the gathering, a shared sense of devotion and admiration for His Holiness filled the air. Participants reflected on his lifelong dedication to peace, compassion, and humanity.
The program by Flowering Dharma commenced shortly after the Tsog offering and felicitation ceremony. Lobsang Wangmu welcomed everyone with a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for the presence of each individual. She reminded those gathered of the deeper meaning behind this day—not just as the end of a transformative retreat, but as a time to honour the birth of His Holiness on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
In a deeply emotional moment, a musical tribute was offered by members of Flowering Dharma before the ceremonial cake cutting. The song, filled with reverence and warmth, captured the collective feelings of the gathering. Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul and Ven. Geshe Tsewang Dorjey were then invited to the stage to cut the birthday cake, joined by Bodhi Leaf team members. The entire audience participated in collective prayers, guided by sheets handed out beforehand.
To mark the occasion, traditional offerings were made as tokens of love and appreciation. A Thangka of Jetsun Dolma was offered to the President of Bodhi Leaf, while another Thangka was gifted to Geshe Tsewang Dorjey in recognition of his continued guidance. A Dharma Chakra Buddha statue was presented to Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, expressing the community’s wish for his return to Ladakh each year.
The atmosphere was lifted further with a musical offering by Faizal Ashoor Khan and guitarist Changchun. Their performance echoed the sentiments of unity and devotion that defined the day.
As the program came to a close, words of appreciation were shared for the retreat’s organizers—Bodhi Leaf, Ngari Institute, and Geshe Tsewang Dorjey. A collective wish was voiced to continue holding this retreat annually during the same period.
Flowering Dharma concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to support future initiatives focused on spiritual growth and inner transformation, offering their ongoing partnership to Bodhi Leaf, Ngari Institute, and all aligned efforts.
