Kalchakra ends with prayer for Dalai Lama’s long life

GAYA: Kalchakra, the 10-day mega event presided over by Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, ended in Bodh Gaya on Saturday with a prayer for the spiritual guru’s long life.
Responding to the prayer for his long life, the Dalai made the prophetic prediction of living for more than 100 years. He said he has been bestowed a life of 113 years, which was revealed to him through a divine dream.
Speaking at the concluding session, chief minister Nitish Kumar thanked the Dalai for extending moral support to his (CM's) commitment to enforce total prohibition in the state. “Your words of encouragement have further strengthened my resolve to make Bihar alcohol free,” he said and also gave details of the steps taken by his government to develop places associated with Lord Buddha.
Appreciating the CM's initiative vis a vis the Buddhist circuit, the spiritual leader hoped the CM would also work for qualitative change in the state's educational scenario.
“Good education was almost the panacea for all socio-economic ailments. Bihar has got a model in the shape of the ancient Nalanda University. Real education also brought spiritual refinement,” the Dalai said.
In his speech, the Dalai also dealt with the materialism versus spiritualism issue and said compassion held the key to spiritual refinement. He regretted that India has not done enough to promote Buddism across the globe. Tibetans are at the forefront of popularising Buddhism at the world level, said the spiritual leader.
“Buddhism was born in India and that way India is Tibet's guru,” the Dalai said and wished well to Tibetans and others who could not participate in the mega prayers despite a desire to do so.
Hollywood super star Richard Gere called the Dalai the ‘God on earth’ as he symbolised compassion, wisdom and all other tenets of Buddhism.
“Participation in Kalchakra and receiving the Dalai Lama’s sermons is a lifetime achievement. Visiting Bodh Gaya is very challenging but Dalai Lama’s charm made it pleasant,” said Gere.
The organisers announced that Kalchakra was a success also in financial terms. As against an expenditure of Rs 31 crore, a sum of Rs 37 crore was received in donation.