Mongolian and Russian Buddhist Festival Opens Today

Tuesday, 6 November 2007, 4:30 p.m.

Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche addressing the inaugural ceremony. (photo: Sangjey Kep)

Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche was chief guest at the inauguration of exhibition.

Addressing the people at the inaugural ceremony, Telo Rinpoche, head of the Kalmyk Buddhists, said the purpose of their visit is to strengthen the historical bond the Mongolians and Russians share with the Tibetans. We are fortunate that we could gather here in presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama but unfortunately not in free Tibet. We hope that our future gathering will be in free Tibet.

He said that their relationship with Tibet is neither a spontaneous idea nor a fantasy. It is a historical fact.

From left: Telo Rinpoche, Speaker T.T. Karma Chophel and Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche.

Telo Rinpoche thanked His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on behalf of the Mongolian and Russian Buddhists, saying that revival of Buddhism in their country didn't happen by coincidence. It happened with blessings of His Holiness and support of the CTA. We, the independent country and republics, should support the Tibetan cause, he added.

He also said that they wear the pride of being the first one to offer long life prayers to His Holiness after His Holiness was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

In his address, Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche underlined the serious problem facing Buddhism in Tibet.

In view of the present situation in Tibet, Kalon Tripa said Mongolian and Russian Buddhists have responsibility to preserve the Buddhist tradition. It is both your and our duty to preserve Buddhism in future, he said.

Recounting the fall of communism in Mongolia and Russian Federation in 1990 and revival of Buddhism thus after, Kalon Tripa said Buddhism has flourished well in Mongolia and Russia these days when it is facing difficulties in Tibet. In the past we have helped you to revive Buddhism in your country and we hope you would help us in future to revive it in Tibet.

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche further said that with blessings of His Holiness we have preserved Tibetan Buddhism quite well in exile and we welcome the Mongolians and Russians to receive education and training from Tibetan monasteries here in future.

Mr. Tashi, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Russia, in his brief introductory address said that the Office of Tibet in Russia serves as a cultural and spiritual bridge between the Tibetans and Mongolians as well as Russians.

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche with Representative Tashi.

Since the revival of Buddhism in Mongolia and Russia, people got opportunity to receive His Holiness' teachings and today we share an intense relationship with them. Last year people of Kalmykia awarded their highest award "White Lotus" to His Holiness and this year with Mongolia and Republics of Tuva and Buryat, they are offering long life prayer to His Holiness shows the intensity of our relationship.

Present at the occasion were Justice Commissioners of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Kalon for the Department of Religion and Culture and some MPs of the Tibetan parliament.

On 9 November, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will confer teachings for the Mongolian and Russian delegation. On 10 November they will offer a grand long life prayers to His Holiness. In the afternoon, on same day, there is a multicultural performance at the Main Temple. His Holiness will grace the cultural show.

  (www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.)

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