Tibetans Gather in New York for Mahaguru Bumtsok Prayer to Remember Tibetan Martyrs’ Sacrifices 36 Years Ago.
Washington DC: Tibetans in New York gathered at Phuntsok Deshe Tibetan Community Hall of New York Tibetan Association to take part in the 5th Mahaguru Bumtsok, the offering of a hundred thousand feasts to Maha Guru Padma Sambhava, from 27 September to 1 October 2023.
The prayer ceremony was organised by the Nechung Foundation, an official branch of the Nechung Monastery in Dharamshala, to honour and remember the sacrifices made by selfless Tibetan patriots on the 36th anniversary of mass Tibetan demonstration by the second-generation of occupied Tibet. Thirty-six years ago, a series of sporadic protests took place inside Tibet throughout its all regions beginning on 27 September 1987.
Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche Tenzin Losel presided over the five-day Mahaguru Bumtsok prayer. It was also participated by New York-based Tibetan monks from all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan Liaison Officer Kunga Tashi from the Office of Tibet-Washington DC, former Tibetan Justice Commissioner Nawang Rabgyal, former Representative Rinchen Dharlo, heads of Tibetan NGOs, former CTA civil servants and Tibetan residents.
In his introductory remark on the first day, the Nechung Foundation’s senior administrator Ven. Soepa mentioned, “The motives behind organising this prayer event is for the well-being of all sentient beings, continued prevalence of Buddhism, and global harmony with devoid of wars and disasters. Particularly, the prayer was held for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life and a quick resolution of the long-standing Tibet-China conflict.” Hence, he commended the gathering for their participation and support.
Tibetan Liaison Officer Kunga Tashi also took part in the first and last day of Mahaguru Bumtsok prayer as an official representative from the Office of Tibet.
The organising committee and volunteers were conferred with ceremonial scarves and photos of two Tibetan official Protector deities (srung ma) as a gesture of appreciation from Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche Tenzin Losel on the closing day.
-Report filed by OoT Washington DC
