Thousands of Buddhists recently gathered in eastern Tibet and in violation of Chinese government orders publicly enthroned a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with full religious festivity. Sherab Woeser has reported for Phayul.com "Thousands enthrone the Dalai Lama’s portrait in Tibet". This dramatic show of support for The Dalai Lama in Tibet has had a positive impact on efforts to keep the spirit of the Dalai Lama's teachings alive here in Syracuse where every Saturday starting at 12:00 pm Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhist practice in the Gelugpa lineage is conducted at the Zen Center of Syracuse.
This dramatic enthronement of the portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the 10th Panchen Lama occurred at the KhamLithang Gonchen during the 10-day Jang Gonchoe Chenmo religious congregation which began July 15. Mr Atruk Tseten, a member of the Tibetan exiled government said this was a very joyous and emotional moment for the Tibetans who had gathered from all corners of Tibet as they lined up together in front of the throne to offer khataks , which are Tibetan scarves. Mr Tseten is reported to have said “Many people told me that for the first time in their lives they felt as if they really could see His Holiness the Dalai Lama in person and seek his blessings."
Local Chinese officials were advised in advance by the organizers of this religious gathering of their plans to enthrone the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. And the organizers of this event warned that they would not be responsible for the actions of the assembled people if the deeply religious procession was obstructed. In defiance of official orders from the Chinese about 100 monasteries which represent all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Yungdrung Bon from eastern Tibet participated in this yearly congregation. There was even an invitation sent to the besieged Kirti Monastery.
The organizers for this inspiring religious event encouraged all of the participants to speak in the Tibetan language. And inside the congregation grounds it was mandatory for everyone, including Chinese officials, to wear traditional Tibetan clothing. Tsethar, which is the Buddhist practice of saving lives, was also conducted. Great numbers of live stocks were rescued from slaughter houses and released under the care of herders and farmers. And so it is clear aggressive efforts to keep the spirit of Tibetan Buddhism alive is making it hard for even the most hard line Communist Chinese to ignore the important presence of the peaceful Tibetan people as the world watches on.
