Sikkim: Gangtok to witness and receive teachings of Dalai Lama

In Sikkim, the Paljor Stadium, Gangtok today was filled with a large congregation of devotees as thousands arrived to witness and receive the teachings of Dalai Lama. He smiled and gently waved to the crowd as he arrived and took his seat on the stage at the pavilion.
   
Dalai Lama, in his introductory remarks, offered his greetings to all the devotees and followers of Buddhism who were present.
 
He began his teachings with a brief talk on his interpretation of religion. He focused on cultivating inner peace and happiness, promoting dialogue among different faiths, and addressing global issues through a compassionate lens.

 He emphasized compassion, nonviolence, and the importance of universal responsibility. He said that “all religions are the same, and all dharmas are equal.”
 
He recited a prayer, invoking Avalokiteshwara, for those who lost their lives in the recent flood disaster in Sikkim and for the peace and happiness of the people of Sikkim and neighbouring regions.
 
He proceeded to deliver the teaching on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva (‘Laklen Sodunma’) and the ceremony of the generation of Bodhichitta (‘Semkye’).
 
A Long-life offering ceremony by the State Government and Tibetan Communities of Sikkim was performed. This was followed by a virtual foundation stone laying of two projects of the State Government.
 
Earlier in his inaugural address, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang extended a warm welcome to Dalai Lama in the verdant State of Sikkim.