His Holiness the Dalai Lama Arrives in Bloomington[Tuesday, 11 May 2010]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama walks with Arjia Rinpoche, head of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, as they arrive at the center in Bloomington, IN, Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Bloomington: His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Bloomington, Indiana, this afternoon on the first leg of his visit of the United States. On his arrival first in Chicago from Europe, His Holiness was received by Kasur Lobsang Nyandak Zayul, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Americas. The President of the Tibetan Associations in Indiana and Chicago were also there to receive His Holiness. On his arrival in Bloomington, His Holiness was received at the airport by Arjia Rinpoche, Director of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, which is hosting His Holiness.As His Holiness’s vehicle entered the ceremonial gate of the Center, children from the Tibetan community in Chicago performed the Tashi Sholpa dance.  There were staff and supporters of the Center, including Tibetans, Mongolians, Japanese, Chinese, Americans and others, who stood beside the road, festooned with Tibetan and Buddhist flags, to welcome His Holiness. His Holiness blessed the newly constructed prayer wheel pavilion before proceeding to his residence. Among the lamas who received His Holiness at the entrance to his residence were Telo Rinpoche, head of the Kalmyk Buddhists of the Russian Federation, the abbot of Gomang Monastery, Geshe Yonten Dhamchoe, the abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Kachen Lobzang Tsetan, the abbot of Gandantegchinlen Monastery in Mongolia, Khamba Lama D. Choijamts (Choekyi Gyatso) as well as the abbots of Erdene Zuu Monastery and the Kalachakra Temple also in Mongolia.His Holiness’ teaching program begins on May 12, 2010 in Indiana University’s auditorium.His Holiness is accompanied by Secretary Chhime R. Chhoekyapa and Secretary Tsegyam for this US visit.–Report by Bhuchung K Tsering of ICT