His Holiness Dalai Lama the 14th visits Zanskar Mountain Range

8. 8. 2009

On the 8th of August 2009 we arrived here in Padum, Zanskar. The town looked changed with the latest mobile communication and the one new mobile tower. In schools, children and teachers were busy with the coming Independence Day on 15th August, where they had to perform traditional songs and dances for the chief govt. guests and the masses.

When we had a closer look at the “city” we noticed another activity; all the people being keen and absorbed in the work preparing for His Holiness visit. Some were mending roads, many renovating and some constructing stupas and mani kolo (the prayer wheels) to beautify the place for the 17th  August, the arrival of Dalai Lama.

Abi (grandma) Yangdol, 73 years old lady from Kargyak village has already come to Padum, walking for two days and taking her grandson Tashi along. From her we learned that almost all the people from Kargyak; children, teachers and the villagers were also on the way to witness the precious visit of His Holiness. Only two people from Kargyak had to stay behind so that someone could look after the animal herds and the fields.

The visit of His Holiness is bliss for the people of Zanskar. They’ve longed for this occasion great many years, someone even for a lifetime. His Holiness the Dalai Lama The 14th , Stanzin Gyatzo, is the leader of Gelugpa sect, which is predominant in this region and that is why he will give his teaching in Padum, in Phodrang, for three days. 

The Zanskar Buddhist Association (ZBA) is the key leading association who is organizing this event. Good news for the Kargyak people is that the ZBA is giving special privilege to them during the preaching. There will be a special place for them to stay since they have come from a long way, walking days, away from their home.

May the Goddess and Gods of Dharma protect the savior of the world from the suffering.
Long live His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama!