Chairman of the Kalachakra organising committee, Kalon Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, speaks during a press conference in Dharamshala, India, on 25 August 2016. Security Kalon Phagpa Tsering (left) and Health Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk, also attended the press conference. Tibet Sun/Lobsang Wangyal
By Lobsang Wangyal
MCLEOD GANJ, India, 25 August 2016
The preparations for the 34th Kalachakra initiation, to be given by the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya in January, are going on well, according to the organising committee of the mega religious event.
The Dalai Lama will hold the initiation at the request of the Central Tibetan Administration, from 3 – 14 January at the place where the Buddha was said to have achieved enlightenment.
The organising committee, appointed by the Kashag, which constitutes three kalons (ministers) and three secretaries, and the abbot of Namgyal Monastery, and a representative from the Ganden Phodrang, which is the office of the Dalai Lama.
“Since May this year we have been going on with this organising work, including going to Bihar and Bodh Gaya, and holding meetings with the district officials,” the Chairman of the organising committee Kalon Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok said.
“Why we are so engrossed in organising a lot of things are completely related with the public service, instead of the Kalachakra Initiation itself,” said Ven Yothok.
Apart from the infrastructure like accommodation, health care, financial assistance to the poor, old-age, sick and students, and cremation services, security during the event will be one of their priorities.
“We are giving a lot of time, energy, and of course, money, in these things, and encouraging our fellow officers and people, that if you can give your best service in this field, you are giving the best service to His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself, and best service to the Buddha dharma, and best service to the Tibetan community itself,” Yuthok said.
We had just called a very fruitful meeting with the Gaya district magistrate, including all his concerned officers. We had explained all our needs, of cooperation from their side, and our preparation from our side. We believe there was a very good understanding, and they are going to give the best cooperation for a successful conclusion of the Kalachakra.
Kalachakra Organising Committee should contact concerned office at Nepal and ensure that some reliable persons are sent to Indo-Nepal to help those coming from Tibet. During the previous Kalachakra, it is learnt that many recent arrivals got cheated by those who are supposed to help them cross Nepal border.
People who are entrusted with this important assignment should carefully screened their volunteers or deputed persons and checked their background. Otherwise, mere sending a group of volunteers to help people at the border will of no use since they might not perform the job well.