Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 8: The Monpa community from Arunachal Pradesh, led by Lama Ngawang Norbu, chairman of the Monyul Long Life Offering Organising Committee, gathered on Saturday at Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamshala to offer a Long Life Prayer (Tenshug) to the revered Buddhist leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Joining them were Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and other prominent dignitaries from the region. The ceremony was attended by the executive head of the CTA Sikyong Penpa Tsering, members of the Tibetan Parliament in exile and officials of the Tibetan government in exile.
The Tenshug ceremony was conducted according to the directives of the Nechung Oracle, following the secret instructions from the “Amitayus Subtle Essence Extraction” text, a long-life prayer ritual. Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche served as the Vajra Master, presenting the mandala offering along with other symbolic offerings representing the body, speech, and mind.
The exiled spiritual leader began his address by acknowledging how touched he is by the faith and devotion the Monpa people and expressed his deep gratitude to them. He reflected on the devotion they had consistently shown him since 1959 when he first entered exile through Tawang in the Mon region. He commended their unwavering faith, describing it as “deeply moving,” and assured the community that Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, would continue to watch over them in this life and beyond.
Lama Ngawang Norbu, speaking to reporters, explained that the ceremony was offered to His Holiness in honour of his 90th year, according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. “This year also marks the 65th anniversary of His Holiness’ first bestowal of Dharma in Tawang after going into exile. The people of Mon have maintained their steadfast devotion through the years, and it is only fitting that we come together to offer this prayer for his long life,” he said.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who had a private audience with the Dalai Lama on Friday, extended a formal invitation for the exiled leader to visit Arunachal Pradesh. He also presented His Holiness with a replica of the ‘phodrang’—the temporary residence that sheltered His Holiness during this initial arrival in Tawang in early April 1959. The Chief Minister noted that this gesture serves to honor the historic ties and maintain the enduring bond between the Dalai Lama and the Mon community.
