Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: Upon arrival at Tawang on Thursday, Sikyong Penpa Tsering received a warm reception from Shri Tsering Tashi, MLA Tawang; Shri Jampel Wangdu, Chairman of Department of Karmic and Aadhyamic Affairs, and Shri Kalsang Ngodup Damo, Deputy Commissioner at the circuit house.
On the following day, Sikyong paid a visit to Tawang Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery and paid obeisance to Tawang Khen Rinpoche Thubten Tendhar. Lopon Ngawang Norbu toured the Sikyong and the CTA delegation accompanied by Shri Jambey Wangdi, Chairman of the Department of Karmic and Aadhyamic Affairs, Shri Kalsang Ngodup Damo, Deputy Commissioner, Monpa Minang Tsokpa Secretary Namgye Tsering and Shri Kalden, Superintendent Engineer of Department of Hydropower Development.
After that, Sikyong paid a visit to the Tawang Gaden Namgyal Lhatse monastery museum and later visited and addressed Buddhism and Tibetan language students at Tashol Tengyur school Thubten Shedrubling Buddhist Center.
Expressing his gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu led dignitaries and officials of the government of Arunachal Pradesh for hosting him with great esteem, Sikyong accredited His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the existing close relationship between the state government of Arunachal and the Tibetan community. He also extended gratitude to the grand reception accorded to him and his entourage by the abbots and directors of the monasteries.
A brief account of the introduction and dissemination of Buddhism in Tibet was presented to the public, drawing the commonalities between the Monpas of Tawang and Tibetans in cultural and religious aspects which cemented several centuries before. He spoke about the importance of Tibetan Buddhism, stressing genuine implementation of the Buddha’s teachings over simply studying the scriptures per His Holiness’s advice, and urged devotees to attain the teachings of every high lama of Buddhism to comprehend the abysmal depth of Buddhist principles.
“The path to enlightenment belongs to neither the Tibetans nor the Buddhists but to all sentient beings who seek ultimate happiness, and so do the teachings of Gautama Buddha,” Sikyong asserted. He acknowledged the efforts of great lamas and the generosity of patrons for the growth and advancement of Tibetan Buddhism. Meanwhile, pointing out the irrelevance of one’s political status, Sikyong implored that all share similar responsibilities in preserving and promoting Buddhist teachings.