Dalai Lama Visits Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya, Expresses Concerns Over Global Issues

Tejaswini

Bodh Gaya: The Buddhist spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the revered spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, visited the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya on Friday. This world heritage site holds immense significance in Buddhist tradition and history, with the Dalai Lama partaking in prayers and meditation at the sacred location.

Arriving at the Mahavihara from the Tibet monastery in an e-rickshaw at 8 am, the Dalai Lama spent nearly an hour engaged in spiritual practices, offering prayers before the Buddha statue housed in the sanctum sanctorum. He also found solace in meditation under the revered Bodhi tree on the campus, conveying his deep sense of honor and gratitude.

“I feel great honor to pray in front of this special Buddha statue. This is a very special place. We are fortunate to pray before Buddha at this sacred place,” the Dalai Lama expressed in a brief message after his spiritual sojourn.

Concerned about the challenges facing the planet, including adverse weather conditions, the Dalai Lama emphasized the power of prayer at such a sacred site. “On our planet, including weather conditions, things are getting difficult. All difficult things can be overcome. I pray to Buddha because this is a special place. Our prayer becomes more effective because this is a sacred place,” he said.

The Dalai Lama, accompanied by followers from various countries seeking his ‘Darshan’ and ‘Blessings,’ unveiled the calendar of the year 2024 published by the Bodh Gaya temple management committee during his visit to the Mahavihara. Notable officials, including Gaya district magistrate Thiyagarajan SM and BTMC member secretary Mahashweta Maharathi, were present on this occasion.

The spiritual leader, expected to stay in Bodh Gaya for over a month, arrived from the nearby Tibet monastery located approximately 200 meters north of the Mahavihara. Security measures in and around Bodh Gaya have been heightened, with the district magistrate and senior superintendent of police monitoring security arrangements in the heritage city.

In the coming days, the Dalai Lama is slated to inaugurate the three-day International Sangha Forum 2023, organized by his office, the International Buddhist Confederation, and the South East Asia coordinator’s office, scheduled to take place at the international convention center in Bodh Gaya on December 20, 21, and 22. Over 2500 dignitaries from 32 countries are expected to participate in this significant event.

Furthermore, the Dalai Lama will lead a world peace prayer session with delegates of the International Sangha Forum at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara on the morning of December 23. Subsequently, he will deliver sermons to his disciples at the Kalachakra ground on December 29, 30, and 31, culminating in the attendance of a long-life prayer offered to him on the morning of January 1.