DC, USA, July 8, 2011 - On July 8th, His Holiness
the Dalai Lama went to the Verizon Center, the venue of the Kalachakra
teachings, to continue with the ritual preparations. Today witnessed
the actual beginning of the construction of the Kalachakra Mandala by
monks of the Namgyal Monastery. They will now be working in shifts day
and night until the Mandala is complete.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama and
monks from Namgyal Monastery reciting prayers during Kalachakara
preparations in Washington DC on July 8, 2011. Photo/Tenzin
Choejor/OHHDL
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Although attendance of devotees was optional for
these sessions, quite many people turned up at the venue. There were
several people who were making the traditional prostrations along the
aisle or meditating as the ritual preparations continued.
In the afternoon, His Holiness finished his
preparation ritual for the day. Thereafter, he had a photo shoot with
Mark Seliger, who was taking the photos for Rolling Stone magazine,
which is publishing an article on His Holiness’s devolution of his
authority by author and screenwriter Melissa Mathison in the issue that
will be in the stands between July 20 and 22.
His Holiness also gave an audience to members of
the Kalachakra Organizing Committee. Mr. Kalden Lodoe, co-Chair of the
Committee, informed His Holiness how the members had worked tirelessly
for many months to make the event a success. His Holiness made brief
remarks in which he said that although the teachings were just
beginning, the event seems to be going well. He urged everyone to
dedicate whatever merit they accumulate for the wellbeing of the
community as a whole and not for any personal benefit. He said such an
approach will make “Kalachakra for World Peace” really relevant.
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| Monks from Namgyal Monastery begin
the construction of the Kalachakra Sand Mandala in Washington DC on July
8, 2011. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL |
His
Holiness also emphasized that since funds are being generated, and
keeping in view some reports of misuse of funds in the past by another
organizer of a similar event, it was essential that there be maintenance
of proper accounts as well as allocation of funds for worthwhile
causes.
His Holiness returned to his hotel thereafter.
On July 9, 2011, early in the morning His Holiness will continue his
preparation rituals in the Kalachakra venue. Thereafter, he will visit
the West Lawn of the United States Capitol to give a public “Talk for
World Peace.” Radio Free Asia is going a live webcast of the event.
