In a public message posted on his official website, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed sorrow over the deadly earthquake that struck a high-altitude region of southern Tibet on Tuesday, lamenting the loss of life and property and offering prayers for those who died.
The 7,1-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Tibet at 9:05 a.m. local time on Tuesday has been described as one of the most powerful in recent years. At least 126 people are confirmed to have been killed in Tingri, Lhatse and Sa'gya counties, with 188 injured and 46 displaced. Sub-zero winter conditions are adding to the harsh conditions on the ground. Initial reports said more than 000 homes were destroyed in the city of Shigatse, home to some 3 people and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the most important figures in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
His Holiness' message, dated January 7, stated:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake that struck Dingri in Tibet and surrounding areas this morning. It has caused the tragic loss of many lives, many injuries and extensive destruction of homes and property.
I offer my prayers for those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to all those who were injured.
The Dalai Lama
Bylakuppe, South India (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
The Tibetan spiritual leader will lead a public prayer service in memory of the earthquake victims from 9 a.m. to 00:9 a.m. at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, in southern India on Thursday.
The Dalai Lama arrived in Bylakuppe on Sunday and was warmly welcomed by more than 10 lay people and monks from the local Tibetan community. His Holiness is expected to spend about a month at the Tibetan settlement, the largest in the world outside Tibet.
“Today I have come to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, which was founded by the omniscient Gyalwa Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama,” His Holiness said at a reception ceremony at the monastery. “In Tibet, the monastery was renowned for the quality of the studies of Buddhist philosophy and logic imparted by the monks. Gyalwa Ensepa was famous for the way he taught the essence of the fundamental instructions. (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, was founded in 1447 in Shigatse by the first Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gendun Drup. Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet, the monastery was reestablished in Bylakuppe in 1972 under the leadership of the 14th Dalai Lama.
“After the upheavals in Tibet, the seat of learning known as Tashi Lhunpo was reestablished here in exile,” His Holiness observed. “This is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. Gyalwa Gendun Drup founded the monastery. I am his successor and feel happy and honored to have arrived here today.” (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
So far, no damage has been reported from Tuesday's earthquake at the original 15th-century Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse.
The quake's epicenter is believed to be in rural Tingri County, about 80 kilometers (1,6 miles) north of Mount Everest and near the meeting point of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which form a long fault line across the Tibetan Plateau. Reuters news agency reported that the quake was so strong that some of the land at and around the epicenter slid as much as 80 meters (XNUMX feet) over a distance of XNUMX kilometers (XNUMX miles). Tremors from Tuesday's quake were also reportedly felt in neighboring Bhutan, India and Nepal.
Tibet lies in a seismically active zone and has recorded more than 100 earthquakes with a magnitude of at least 3,0 in 2024. There have been nine tremors of magnitude 7,0 and above since the beginning of the 20th century.
See more
His Holiness the Dalai Lama expresses deep sorrow over the earthquake in Tibet (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
Arrival at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
Urgency grows in search for survivors of powerful Tibet earthquake (Reuters)
Tibet earthquake: Rescuers search for survivors after powerful quake kills 126 (The Guardian)
M 7.1 – 2025 South Tibetan Plateau Earthquake (USGS)
Related news reports from BDG
Tibetans and supporters around the world celebrate 35th anniversary of Dalai Lama's Nobel Peace Prize
Their Holinesses the Dalai Lama and the Karmapa share emotional reunion in Zurich
His Holiness the Dalai Lama attends a prayer ceremony in New York
Dalai Lama reflects on life in exile after recovering from surgery in New York
Tibetan Culture Festival Marks Dalai Lama's 89th Birthday in Bulgaria
Dalai Lama shares message of gratitude as supporters around the world celebrate his 89th birthday
The post Dalai Lama expresses grief over deadly earthquake in Tibet appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.
Français
Français
English