His Holiness the Dalai Lama traveled to New York City, where he addressed an audience of some 17,000 followers at the UBS Arena on 22 August. A number of activities and rituals took place alongside the gathering, including a prayer for the long life of His Holiness by members of the Tibetan community, offerings of kata scarves, songs performances by children, and traditional Tibetan dances.

As part of the event, a stage was set up and decorated with traditional Buddhist thangkas portraying important Buddhist icons such as Avalokiteshvara, White Tara, and Shakyamuni Buddha. A large throne was positioned at the center of the stage, with senior monks and abbots sitting in the front row. The Dalai Lama was led to the stage to the sound of monks playing traditional horns, while Tibetan dancers sang songs of welcome. Then the Dalai Lama took his seat on the throne.

During his time at the UBS Arena, the Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of religious harmony, with a strong focus on secular ethics. Attendees were encouraged to cultivate a moral code built around genuine compassion.

His Holiness addressed these issues by stating:

Here we have Tibetans from all three regions of Tibet demonstrating how we are united. Tibetan culture can be of benefit to the whole of humanity. The Buddha, Shakyamuni, became enlightened and gave teachings that have been preserved in Tibet and the Himalayan region. These teachings are profound and deeply valuable. I have studied them since I was very young. (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)

The Dalai Lama also touched on tensions between Tibet and China, stating:

In Tibet, we have the most complete transmission of the Buddha’s teachings. As Tibetans have spread out across the world other people have become more aware of our traditions. We have many loyal friends who I’d like to thank. People around the world are taking an interest in Buddhism and even in China there are many curious to learn about Tibetan Buddhism. (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)

Attendance at the event was so high that the Long Island Rail Road added several additional stops to the train schedule, including nine eastbound trains adding a stop at the Elmont-UBS Arena, and five westbound trains adding a stop at the Elmont-UBS Arena, along with other changes.

The Dalai Lama was in the US for knee surgery, and spent six weeks at the Nappi Farmhouse in Syracuse, New York, where he recovered, working closely with physiotherapists as part of his recovery. He described the quality of his care as “exceptional.”*

The surgery took place on 28 June at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Dr. David Mayman, MD, who serves as chief of the Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service at the hospital remarked that His Holiness was expected to continue his convalescence over the next 6–12 months and make a full recovery.

Once the Dalai Lama leaves New York City, he will return home to Dharamsala, India. However, he will first make a stop in Zurich, where the Tibetan community is expected to perform another long-life prayer service; similar to the one that took place in New York City.  His Holiness is expected to reach Dharamsala on 28 August.

* Dalai Lama Reflects on Life in Exile after Recuperating from Surgery in New York (BDG)

See more

The Tibetan Community of North America Offers Long Life Prayers (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Departs Upstate New York (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
Dalai Lama appears at UBS Arena for prayer service after 6-week surgery recovery in NY (NBC 4 New York)

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