By Tenzin T. Phuntsog
Tibetans and American friends gathered at the newly constructed temple at Deer Park Buddhist Monastery to offer prayers for the Iron Tiger Year. After escorting the portrait of His Holiness to his throne in a procession led by the monks and leaders of Wisconsin Tibetan Association, Ven. Geshe Sopa offered the mandala with the three representations of body, speech and mind of Enlightenment to His Holiness’ throne.
While tea and ceremonial sweet rice were served, prayers of Sixteen Arhats and Long Life prayer of His Holiness were chanted. After the thanks giving mandala offering by the president of Wisconsin Tibetan Association, the public offered khatas to the portrait of His Holiness.
This Losar had seen an unprecedented large number of Tibetans who came in fine clothes but the women were not adorned with any jewelries. The WTA president reiterated the directives of the Kashag and the necessity for a less celebratory Losar this year in solidarity with the Tibetans inside Tibet.
After the Sangsol, the large crowd quietly returned to their homes. A well planned community Losar feast and cultural performances with especially invited guests from the Wisconsin Legislation was cancelled in solidarity with world wide boycott of the Tibetan New Year this year.
