His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Arrives Safely at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Tashi Lhunpo, Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India: On Friday, 3 January 2025 His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Dharamshala, where the streets were lined by Tibetans and other well-wishers gathered to see him off, to take a winter sojourn in the warmer climate of South India. He spent the night in New Delhi and yesterday flew on to Bengaluru, where again he rested for the night. This morning, he boarded a helicopter that flew him to Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement. He landed at the Dickyi Larsoe Football Field.

Members of the Tibetan community line the road to greet His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he makes his way to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on January 5, 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor.

His Holiness was received by a representative of the Mysore District administration, the Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the Chief Representative of the Southern Tibetan settlements, as well as Representatives of the five Tibetan Settlements in South India.

As he drove the 5.5kms to Tashi Lhunpo, members of the Tibetan community, monks and nuns, laypeople, many of them elderly and seated in wheelchairs, as well as children with special needs, lined the road, silk scarves and incense in their hands to greet him. Monks in their yellow hats played horns, drums and cymbals. Members of the Bylakuppe Opera Troupe danced and sang to greet him.

Members of the Bylakuppe Opera Troupe dance and sing as His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on January 5, 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor.

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery was decked out to welcome His Holiness. The driveway was decorated from the gate with coloured designs of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. Close to the temple the road, thickly carpeted with flower petals, swept up and round to enable His Holiness to step out of his car right in front of the doorway. He was welcomed by the Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the recently installed Ganden Tri Rinpoché and the former Ganden Tri Rinpoché.

His Holiness offered prayers as he entered the monastery. Once he had taken his seat in front of the throne he also lit a lamp as a mark of auspiciousness. The Abbot offered a mandala and representations of the body, speech and mind of enlightenment. The Prayer for His Holiness’s Long Life written by his two Tutors was recited and tea and ceremonial rice were served, after which His Holiness addressed the gathering.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama entering Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on 5 January 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor.

“Today, I have come to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery which was founded by the All-knowing Gyalwa Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. In Tibet the monastery was renowned for the quality of the monks’ studies of Buddhist philosophy and logic. Gyalwa Ensepa was celebrated for the way he taught the essence of the pith instructions.

“After the upheaval that took place in Tibet, the seat of learning known as Tashi Lhunpo was re-established here in exile. It is one of Tibet’s most important monasteries. Gyalwa Gendun Drup founded the monastery. I am his successor and I feel happy and honoured to have reached here today.

“The principal purpose of a monastery, as I always advise, is to be a centre of learning, providing monks and nuns the opportunity to study the curriculum and put what they learn into practice.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the congregation during the welcome ceremony at Tahsi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on January 5, 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor.

“Today, in this world, even people who are not Buddhists are taking an interest in what the Buddha taught. Many, scientists among them, are attracted by our use of reason and logic. This is a tradition we have kept alive down the centuries.”

His Holiness recalled that not so long ago he was attending a meeting in the beautiful Thai temple in Bodhgaya, the venue for a meeting of members of the Sangha, who pursue the Three Trainings and the study of the Three Baskets of the Buddha’s teachings. During the proceedings he had a vision of the Buddha in the midst of the gathering. The Enlightened One beckoned him forward and invited him to sit beside him. His Holiness said that he had a clear vision of the Buddha, who seemed to be very pleased with him and the effort he has made to work for the Dharma.

“Members of the monastic institutions here should work to uphold the Buddha’s teachings, especially in this degenerate age. There is interest in what the Buddha taught in China and in places that were not traditionally Buddhist. The tradition followed by those of us gathered here emphasizes the use of reason and logic. By exercising discipline we learn to control our negative emotions. This isn’t just a matter of faith, but of using reason and discipline to bring about peace of mind within ourselves. This approach is unique to the teaching of the Buddha.

A view of the congregation listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the welcome ceremony at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India on January 5, 2025. Photo by Ven Zamling Norbu.

“We talk about aiming to reach Buddhahood, but we won’t do that on the basis of faith alone, but by relying on reason and logic. I, as a Bhikshu, a sincere follower of the Buddha, as soon as I wake in the morning, I meditate on the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the view of emptiness. This I do on a daily basis and it gives me confidence. That’s all, thank you.”

His Holiness left for his quarters in the monastery as the assembled congregation chanted the Prayer of the Words of Truth, followed by a verse from the Great Fifth Dalai Lama’s ‘Secret Visions’ to the effect that all malevolent spirits and interferences may be overcome by the truth of the Three Jewels.