Future of Tibet is in the hands of its people: Dalai Lama

"The future of Tibet is in the hands of Tibetans living in Tibet and any initiative should come only from them," said the Dalai Lama while addressing about 30,000 Tibetans here on Thursday, the first day of the 13-day world Kalachakra tantric empowerment congregation.

"People suffering in Tibet are the real adherents of Kalachakra," he said. "They are unfortunate as their countrymen living in India are comfortable and progressing in all spheres. Every Tibetan family is affected by what is now known worldwide as Tibetan tragedy. However, the Tibetans, despite their hardships for over five decades, lead a life of dignity and honour, and their enthusiasm and optimism for a respectable settlement have strengthened. Ultimately, the results of Kalachakara would go to people living in Tibet," he said.

He said, "Buddhist thought helps in rescuing a mind from turbulence. Emotion and compassion reflect in all human relations, but Buddhism employs intelligence to transform mind. One can liberate oneself from suffering through enlightenment. And Sakya mantra recital would turn a man into virtuous."

Later at the press briefing, Kalsang Yeshi, chairman, Kalachakra Organising Committee, and a former minister of the Tibetan government in exile, clarified that the Dalai Lama was only asking for a sovereign national regional authority for Tibet, and not total freedom.

Dhruv Sud, liaison officer, said 32,000 participants, including 2,500 foreigners, attended the first day congregation. He said the committee was expecting that over 1.2 lakh Buddhists and tourists would arrive in Amaravati by fourth or fifth day of the festival.

In the early hours of the day, the Dalai Lama, accompanied by Buddhist monks and Lamas, conducted Earth Ritual (consecrating) prayers, marking the beginning of the Kalachakra initiation festival. Later, monks and Lamas exchanged views on vital aspects of Vajrayana Buddhist philosophy - Pramana, Madhyamika and Prajna Parimika.

Elaborate arrangements have been made at the Kalachakra site to accommodate pilgrims, monks, Lamas and tourists.

Japan's Bushokai representatives, the main sponsors and western co-sponsors were also present at the ritual. Young monks, selected for Kalachakra empowerment initiation, were given orientation discourse on how to overcome worldly attachments.