His Holiness the Dalai Lama attends prayer ceremony in New York

His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited New York, where he addressed an audience of some 17 worshipers at the UBS Arena on August 000. A number of activities and rituals took place on the sidelines of the gathering, including a prayer for the long life of His Holiness by members of the Tibetan community, offerings of kata scarves, singing performances by children and traditional Tibetan dances.

As part of the event, a stage was set up and decorated with traditional Buddhist elements. thangka The Dalai Lama was led on stage to the sound of traditional horns played by monks, while Tibetan dancers sang songs of welcome. The Dalai Lama then took his place on the throne.

During his visit to the UBS Arena, the Dalai Lama spoke of the importance of religious harmony, with an emphasis on secular ethics. Participants were encouraged to cultivate a moral code based on authentic compassion.

His Holiness addressed these issues by stating:

Here we have Tibetans from all three regions of Tibet demonstrating how united we are. Tibetan culture can benefit all humanity. Shakyamuni Buddha achieved enlightenment and gave teachings that have been preserved in Tibet and the Himalayan region. These teachings are profound and of great value. I have studied them since I was very young. (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)

The Dalai Lama also spoke about tensions between Tibet and China, saying:

In Tibet, we benefit from the most complete transmission of the Buddha's teachings. As Tibetans spread throughout the world, other peoples became aware of our traditions. We have many loyal friends who I would like to thank. People all over the world are interested in Buddhism and even in China, many people are curious to know more about Tibetan Buddhism. (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)

Attendance at the event was so high that the Long Island Rail Road added several additional stops to the train schedule, including nine eastbound trains adding a stop at the Elmont-UBS Arena, and five eastbound trains west adding a stop at Elmont-UBS Arena, along with other changes.

The Dalai Lama was in the United States for knee surgery and spent six weeks at the Nappi Farm in Syracuse, New York, where he worked closely with physical therapists. He described the quality of his care as “exceptional”.*

The operation took place on June 28 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Dr. David Mayman, chief medical officer of the hospital's adult joint reconstruction and replacement service, said His Holiness is expected to continue his convalescence over the next 6 to 12 months and make a full recovery.

Once the Dalai Lama leaves New York, he will return home to Dharamsala, India. However, he will first stop in Zurich, where the Tibetan community is expected to celebrate another long-life prayer ceremony, similar to the one that took place in New York. His Holiness is expected to arrive in Dharamsala on August 28.

* Dalai Lama reflects on life in exile after recovering from surgery in New York (BDG)

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The Dalai Lama appears at UBS Arena for prayer service after 6 weeks recovering from surgery in New York (NBC 4 New York)

His Holiness the Dalai Lama attends a prayer ceremony in New York

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