Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama known as the "Living God" is deeply respected and worshipped around the world for his rise above all hurdles of language, religion and distances.
While addressing his followers on his 85th birthday, the spiritual monk urged them to recite the holy mantra around one thousand times as most of them will be staying at home amid the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. However, his followers will be celebrating the "Year of Gratitude" where his holy teachings and work will be promoted through virtual interactions.
From his home in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, Dalai Lama said, "It's not possible for large numbers of people to hold a big celebration because of the restriction due to the pandemic. And it's not necessary either."
Tibetan Buddhism, which is celebrated with a great pomp in Ladakh and Dharamshala every year, has been asked to celebrate the festival modestly this year given the coronavirus pandemic which has led to limited social gatherings and people have been requested to stay at home to maintain safety.
"However, if you want to celebrate my birthday, I'd like to ask you to recite the Mani Mantra (Om Mani Padme Hung), at least a thousand times," Dalai Lama advised his followers. He also said that the reason behind asking people to do this is because of the unique connection he shares with Avalokiteshvara which is the earthly reflection of the self-born eternal Buddha Amitabha.
"If you then recite his mantra (Om Mani Padme Hung) a thousand times, it will be beneficial. With that practice you will create some roots of virtue that you can dedicate for me- Avalokiteshvara's messenger - to live for 108 or 110 years or so. May everyone is happy and well," he added.
According to the Outlook report, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), PT Kunzang said that every year Dalai Lama's birthday is celebrated in a grand manner. "But this year due to the Covid-19 guidelines, it will be a small symbolic gathering," Kunzang said, adding that only some religious leaders would be present while celebrating his 85th birthday. While all his followers will be participating virtually.
The Chief Representative Officer of Tibetan Settlement in Leh, Tseten Wangchuk stated that the Nobel Peace Laureate was likely to visit Ladakh on his birthday this year but the plan got cancelled in view of the ongoing situation.
Before his birthday, the Buddhist leader released an album which carried all his mantras and teachings called 'Inner World.' It took five years for developing the album that includes eleven spiritual tracks along with compassions and empathy-related to the Mani mantra.
