Losar, Tibetan New Year, starts with prayers at Dalai Lama temple
Tibetans today performed prayers at the main temple of the Dalai Lama in McLeodganj today morning to mark the beginning of traditional Tibetan New Year. Tibetan monks organised traditional prayers in the temple and many Tibetans participated in it.
Losar 2152, is the year of the Wood Snake in Tibetan traditions. No celebrations were held today to mark the Losar as the Tibetan government in exile. The Tibetan government in exile had issued an appeal to Tibetans against celebrating Losar this year to express solidarity with victims of earthquake in Tibet in recent past.
The Dalai Lama also did not come of his residence to take part in the traditional prayers organised in his temple to mark the beginning of Losar. Dalai Lama, who would turn 90 this year, recently returned back to Dharamsala after six-week sojourn in Tibetan establishments in Karnataka. The Dalai Lama also did not deliver any message for Tibetans on the eve of Losar.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, president of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), in his message to Tibetan on the eve of Losar, offered prayers for the long life of the Dalai Lama and all the senior Buddhist masters and spiritual leaders.
He said, “During the past year, our world has witnessed many man-made and natural disasters. The earthquake in Tibet claimed many Tibetan lives and caused extensive damage to property. The Chinese government released limited information, but later there was complete silence. To this day, we have no information about the earthquake relief efforts. Therefore, this year’s Losar is not an occasion for extensive celebrations. However, it is important that we continue to observe our traditional customs while being mindful of the circumstances.”
He further said that the Tibetan movement over the past year has seen slightly increased awareness and support worldwide. “Regardless of the situation, we must work considering the global context and understand how global developments affect the cause of Tibet. Following the Dalai Lama’s guidance and vision, if we all work together, we will surely reach our destined path and fulfil our aspirations.”
“Tibetans inside Tibet face enormous challenges. We continue to monitor the situation as best as we can from the outside. Even in the 21st century, it has become difficult for Tibetan family members and friends to speak freely and trust each other without fear. We know that our identity, language, religion and way of life are being destroyed and the environment is being severely damaged,” Penpa Tsering said.
“Those of us in exile are working to raise international awareness and resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict. To resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict non-violently, we must engage in dialogue with the Chinese government and there is no other way,” the Sikyong said.
“Those of us in exile have never lost hope under the Dalai Lama’s leadership. Tibetans inside Tibet continue to sacrifice themselves to protect Tibetan identity and fight for freedom. We must continue this effort. Even if we cannot resolve these challenges in our generation, as the Dalai Lama advises, we should hope for the best but prepare for the worst. If our struggle for truth and justice must continue for 30 to 50 years, the responsibility falls on the new generation. Therefore, we continue to focus on nurturing the new generation,” he said.
