Dharamshala: Around 5,000 people gathered at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj, on Wednesday for a traditional ceremony praying for the Dalai Lama’s long life.The 91-year-old spiritual leader was welcomed with traditional music and dance as he arrived at the temple. Tashi Shölpa dancers and performers dressed as snow lions and yaks greeted him with songs and drumbeats as he walked from his golf cart to the temple.The ceremony was organised through offerings by the Norbulingka Institute, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) and Nepal Tibetan Lhamo Association. Ling Rinpoché presided over the prayers, attended by Namgyal Monastery abbot Geshé Lobsang Samten, Dorjé Lobpön Lobsang and Dhargyey.The rituals centred on an Amitayus long-life prayer composed by the Fifth Dalai Lama following a vision of Guru Padmasambhava in the form of Amitayus, the Buddha associated with longevity. The prayers invoked the Dalai Lama’s spiritual lineage and sought his continued well-being and presence.Ling Rinpoché offered the Dalai Lama a long-life arrow, followed by a mandala offering and a prayer requesting him to live long for the benefit of all beings. He also presented a statue of White Tara, a scripture and a stupa, symbolising the body, speech and mind of enlightened beings. Long-life substances and other auspicious objects were also offered.TIPA artistes performed songs dedicated to the spiritual leader, including one composed for his 90th birthday. Members of the Nepal Tibetan Lhamo Association sang a song marking the organisation’s 50th anniversary.The ceremony concluded with prayers for the flourishing of Buddhist teachings, an end to war and conflict, and the well-being of all beings.
