His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday offered his congratulations to the newly elected Khamba Lama of Gaden Thekchogling, Mongolia's main Buddhist monastery, Geshe Jetsun Dorji, who becomes the highest Buddhist leader in Mongolia.
The transition of the role of Khamba Lama is a significant event for Mongolia, marking the strength and resilience of the country's Buddhist spiritual leadership and providing an optimistic indication for the revival and spread of Buddhism after its suppression under communist rule from 1924 to 1992.
In a letter to the sitting Buddhist leader on November 6, the Dalai Lama highlighted the great potential of the Buddhadharma to contribute to the well-being of humanity, as its 2-year-old teachings and practices are rooted in non- violence and compassion.
“However,” noted His Holiness, “this will only happen if those of us who have the opportunity to (do it) study and practice it,” adding that it is important to keep in mind mind when giving Buddhist teachings, the aptitudes and inclinations of those who are taught. (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
His Holiness also wrote a letter to the outgoing Khamba Lama, Gabju Demberel Choijamts, who is retiring due to his advanced age. The Dalai Lama expressed admiration for the way he had promoted the Buddha's teachings by emphasizing "study, reflection on what has been learned, and meditation on what has been understood." The Dalai Lama stressed that the outgoing Khamba Lama had "lived a meaningful life and was happy to count him as his friend for many years." (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
To the two lamas, His Holiness expressed his best wishes and pledged to offer prayers for them both.
Buddhism is the dominant religion in Mongolia, according to 2020 census data, observed by 51,7% of the country's estimated population of 3,2 million. Most Mongolian Buddhists practice a form of Vajrayana Buddhism related to the Gelug and Kagyu lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Meanwhile, 40,6 percent of Mongolians profess no religious affiliation.
Furthermore, the Dalai Lama also wrote on November 6 to the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, to offer his condolences and prayers, and to commit to providing financial assistance following the deadly earthquake which shook western Nepal on November 3.
“I offer my condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones and I pray for all those affected by this tragedy,” His Holiness shared. “I understand that everything is being done by your government, as well as relevant agencies, to provide the necessary help and support to those affected by this calamity.
“As a sign of my solidarity with the people of Nepal, I hope to be able to make a donation towards the rescue and relief efforts. » (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
A 6,4 magnitude earthquake struck western Nepal on November 3, killing 153 people and injuring at least 375. The earthquake, the deadliest to hit the country since the catastrophic earthquakes of 2015, also was felt in northern India, and more than 380 aftershocks have occurred since. been reported. Around 35 houses were reportedly affected in 321 districts of Nepal, of which 12 houses collapsed.
Nepal is located in the Himalayan region, which is vulnerable to earthquakes due to an ongoing tectonic collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. In 2015, two major earthquakes killed some 9 people in Nepal and caused considerable damage.
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