Leh, Aug 22: On Friday morning, the Sindhu Ghat, dedicated to the River Indus, hosted vibrant celebrations honouring His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s month-long visit to Ladakh.
Speaking before the towering Buddha statue at Stok, the Dalai Lama expressed gratitude to the people of Ladakh, emphasizing his commitment to the Buddha’s teachings of non-violence, kindness, and compassion. “I’m a Bhikshu, a follower of the Buddha,” he said, underscoring his dedication to peace.
Tsering Angchok, Deputy Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, paid tribute to His Holiness as the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, the Champion of Peace, and prayed for his repeated return to Ladakh.
The festivities kicked off with a soulful song by Mipham Otsal, celebrating the Dalai Lama’s legacy of non-violence and harmony. A short sketch highlighted his life and frequent visits to Ladakh, echoing the community’s hope for future returns.
His Holiness was presented with mementos by CEC Tashi Gyalson, Executive Councillors, the Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Commissioner as tokens of gratitude from the people of Ladakh. He was then requested to address the gathering.
Deputy Chairman paid homage to Avalokiteshvara, Champion of Peace in the world in the person of His Holiness, to Ganden Tri Rinpoché and to the Lamas, monks and other guests.
Dalai Lama said, “I wish to thank you, my friends, people of Ladakh, for having organized this celebration. From here I can see the colossal statue of the Buddha at Stok. As far as I’m concerned, I’m a follower of the Buddha, our kind teacher. The essence of his teaching is non-violence, doing no harm to others, but being kind and compassionate towards them. I am a Bhikshu, a follower of the Buddha.
A short sketch about His Holiness’s life followed rejoicing at his visits to Ladakh and reiterating the wish that he may come again and again.
Wherever I go, I tell people about the importance of non-violence. As a monk, a practitioner and a follower of the Buddha I consider non-violence and compassion to be his principal message, he said.
Today, there is growing interest in what the Buddha taught in many parts of the world, especially with regard to the workings of our mind and emotions. Of course, we talk about world peace, but peace in the world is dependent on individuals having peace of mind.
“Once I was in a large hall when I had a vision of the Buddha before me. He beckoned to me, so I approached him,” Dalai Lama said.
He kindly patted me on the head and I was filled with mixed feelings of happiness and sadness. There and then I restated my determination to serve the Buddha Dharma with my body, speech and mind.
“The teaching of the Buddha is not just based on faith; it’s founded on logic and reason. This is true of his message of peace and not harming others. We need peace in the world. This is not just a matter of looking after one or two families, but of caring for all the people in the world. Therefore, I do my best to follow what the Buddha, our compassionate, kind teacher has advised. I consider it my responsibility to spread the message of non-violence as best I can.
“People have been very warm towards me here in Ladakh. They have made me welcome. I’ve come here in my monastic robes to talk about peace, not just peace in the world, but peace in our own lives, in our homes, remembering the kindness of the Buddha. I don’t have much else to say. As I told you earlier, I had a vision of the kind and compassionate Buddha as a result of which I try to do my best to serve him as well as I can, he added.
