A Farewell Lunch at Shiwatsel in Honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India, 24 August 2016 – On the final day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Ladakh this year, the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) offered a lunch in his honour in an ornate tent erected on the Shiwatsel ground where he had recently given teachings. Senior members of all Ladakh’s Buddhist traditions, Ganden Tri Rinpoche Rizong Rinpoche and Thiksey Rinpoche among them, Council Members of LADHC, including Dr Sonam Dawa (CEC, LADHC), Jora Rigzin (MLA, J & K State) and other dignitaries attended.

Ladakhi women performing traditional dance at the luncheon in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India on August 24, 2016. Photo by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

Mr. Thinley Dorjee, the President of LBA paid tribute to His Holiness, “Once again, we have the auspicious opportunity of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s presence with us at this lunch. Nevertheless, our thirst to see His Holiness is never quenched. Therefore, I pray that His Holiness will visit us again and again in the future.”

After traditional Ladakhi musical performances that everyone enjoyed, His Holiness responded: “The song and dance performances we have just been entertained by were offerings to listen to. The traditional costumes worn by the artists were offerings to be seen. But this lunch provided by the Ladakh Buddhist Association is an offering of something to smell and taste and that’s what I’m looking forward to!” and everybody laughed.

“This is not a political gathering, it’s of a spiritual nature involving the teacher-disciple relationship between you and me. Although I have the title “Dalai Lama”, it’s just a convention we have created. I don’t consider myself as anything special. The fact is that I am a Buddhist monk, who has studied the Three Collections of the Buddha’s teachings, and who has for a long time put the Three Higher Trainings into practice. So what I always remember is that I am a Buddhist monk and a follower of the Nalanda masters.
“You have arranged this farewell lunch in my honour, but the principal offering to your spiritual teacher should be your practice of the Dharma. I have shared what I know and have experienced with you. You should implement what you have understood as your offering of practice to me.”
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