Bomdila: On 4 November 2024, Gaden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin, the spiritual leader of the Gelug tradition, graced the inauguration and consecration ceremony of the new assembly hall at Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery in Bomdila as the chief guest. He performed the consecration rituals and officially opened the new assembly hall. The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile member Geshe Atruk Tseten, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly member Tapir Gao, and National Commission for Minorities member Rinchen Lhamo, among other notable officials from the state.

The ceremony commenced with a welcoming address by Guru Rinpoche, the founder of the new assembly hall. This was followed by a message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, read by Gaden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin. Sikyong Penpa Tsering then addressed the gathering, extending a warm welcome on behalf of the Kashag (the executive body of the Central Tibetan Administration) to all the esteemed guests at the inaugural event.

Sikyong offered a brief history of the monastery, noting, “Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery was established by local Tibetans around 1959-1960 and was initially offered to the revered Guru Rinpoche as the head of the monastery. It is now under the stewardship of Guru Chogtrul Rinpoche. The Guru Tenpai Dronme School, affiliated with the monastery, has also been established as an educational institution, benefiting the local community greatly. I commend this initiative.” He further expressed his admiration upon learning that the construction of the newly inaugurated assembly hall was made possible through voluntary contributions from local villages, organisations, and students, all working together in a spirit of cooperation. “This demonstrates that the deep Buddhist culture of compassion continues to thrive in the Mon region,” he remarked.

Sikyong also highlighted the spiritual significance of the new hall, noting that its foundation stone was laid by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and is therefore imbued with powerful blessings. “I pray for the flourishing of the teachings and the spread of Buddhist study and practice,” he said.

Reflecting on the historical bond between Tibetans and the Mon region, Sikyong emphasised the long-standing spiritual connections between the two. He spoke about the successive reincarnations of the Merag Lama, whose incarnations included rulers of kingdoms and descendants of the Tibetan imperial family. He also noted that many of the Dalai Lamas and Merag Lamas shared unique teacher-student relationships. “When the Gelug tradition faced challenges in the Mon region, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama instructed the construction of Tawandang Lhatse Monastery in 1680, entrusting the Merag Lama with both religious and political responsibilities in the region,” Sikyong explained. He further elaborated on the significant contributions of the Merag Lamas to the religious and political landscape of the Mon region, including the roles played by the Sixth and Tenth Merag Lamas, who were deeply involved in Tibetan diplomatic affairs.

Sikyong also acknowledged the immense contributions of the 12th Merag Lama, Kyabje Tenzin Trinley Namgyal Rinpoche, who studied at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Dharamshala and later became a Geshe Lharampa at Drepung Gomang Monastery. He was recognised by the Indian government for his exceptional contributions to Buddhism and society, receiving the Padma Shri award. Sikyong lauded his ongoing legacy and the positive impact he continues to have on the Mon region.

In closing, Sikyong prayed for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and all great spiritual leaders who uphold the Dharma. He prayed for the Merag Lama’s long life and the timely maturation of his bodhicitta, wishing that he may continue to accomplish vast deeds for the benefit of all sentient beings and preserve the Dharma.

Earlier in the day, Sikyong Penpa Tsering was warmly welcomed by local Tibetans at the Gacham border as he travelled from Tenzingang to Bomdila. Former Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly member and former president of the Tibet Support Group, Rinchen Khandro Trimedla, graciously hosted Sikyong for breakfast at her residence.