Long-life prayers offered for Dalai Lama at McLeodganj

Hundreds of representatives of the Dhanglob community offered a long-life prayer ceremony for the Dalai Lama at the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeodganj, as part of the ongoing Guru Bumtsok — a hundred thousand offerings to Guru Padmasambhava.

The Dalai Lama arrived at the temple under a clear autumn sky, welcomed by Tashi Shölpa dancers and women in traditional attire singing celebratory songs. Senior abbots and scholars from several major monasteries, including Ganden Shartsé, Drepung Gomang, Gyutö, and Namgyal, attended the ceremony, along with Ganden Trisur Rinpoché, Sharpa Chöjé, and the young reincarnation of Lhagyala Rinpoché.

The longevity ritual, Amitayus Long-Life Practice composed by the Fifth Dalai Lama, was led by Thomtog Rinpoché with the participation of over 3,500 devotees. As part of the ceremony, Thomtog Rinpoché and the Dalai Lama performed the symbolic waving of the Long-Life Arrow, representing the gathering of positive energy and blessings.

Offerings of tsog, nectar, long-life pills, and ritual cakes were made, along with mandalas and representations of the Buddha’s body, speech and mind.

The members of the Dhanglob community carried statues, scriptures and symbolic offerings in a procession through the temple courtyard, culminating with the recitation of The Song of Immortality — a prayer composed by Dalai Lama’s tutors. The event also featured a contemporary musical performance.

Concluding prayers included The Prayer for the Flourishing of the Dharma, Words of Truth, and the traditional verse for the Dalai Lama’s long life.

The Dalai Lama blessed the participants in appreciation of their devotion on occasion.