Home > News Archive > Dalai Lama consecrates Maitreya statue in Nubra Valley

Dalai Lama consecrates Maitreya statue in Nubra Valley

By Tibet Sun Contributor | Tibet Sun

The Dalai Lama chats with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir state of India during the consecration ceremony of Maitreya statue at Disket Monastery in Nubra Valley in Ladakh, India, on 26 July 2010.Tibet Sun/CTR/India

The Dalai Lama consecrated the 100-feet-high statue of Maitreya at Disket Monastery in Nubra Valley in India’s northern state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The three-hour blessing ceremony was attended by the Chief Minister of the state Omar Abdullah, Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche, Thiksey Rinpoche, and thousands of monks, nuns and local Ladakhis. A handful of foreign tourists also witnessed the ceremony.

A cultural programme by Ladakhi singers and dancers was presented after the consecration ceremony.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah arrived with his family — wife, two sons and wife’s parents. They were accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Leh, Tsering Wangchuk.

Abdullah said that he feels fortunate as four generations of his family have known the Dalai Lama. His grandfather and father had known the Dalai Lama when they were chief ministers.

“And now my two sons are present today.”

He said he feels fortunate for having met His Holiness three times now.

“His Holiness preaches peace and harmony between the Buddhist and Muslim communities in Ladakh, which benefits the community.”

The Dalai Lama thanked the organisers and builders of the Maitreya statue.

“They have accumulated large amounts of merit for their efforts,” he said.

Enumerating the benefits the statue will bring to people, the Dalai Lama said, “They will gain merit from circumambulating it, and as it can be seen from far away, they will gain merit from looking at it. Also Maitreya represents love and compassion. When people look at the statue, they should remember the qualities of love and compassion and try to incorporate them into their own life. Concentrate on equanimous love, which is an antidote to suffering.”

The 75-year-old Tibetan leader also said that he has been asked to be an ambassador for the environment in the Himalayan regions.

“There are many environmental problems, and melting of the snow is a big problem in these areas. So I am asking everyone to protect the environment and especially to plant trees.

“When one sees a desert it is not so delightful. When one sees an oasis or grove of trees it is pleasing to the eye, we all like this. Also when the trees are grown you can cut the wood for building and other uses, it is very beneficial. So I have fulfilled my committment and asked you all to plant trees and take care of the environment.”

Copyright © 2010 Tibet Sun

Published in Tibet Sun