In Shimla, India, Tibetans-in-exile organized a peace march to commemorate the 35th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. The march was organized by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and saw the participation of hundreds of Tibetans. The Panchen Lama is the second-highest spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism, recognized by the Dalai Lama. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognized by the Dalai Lama in 1995 but was subsequently detained by the Chinese government and has not been seen since. The CTA called for the release of the Panchen Lama and urged the international community to support their cause [b8cecb1d] [5cfba7cd].
This recent development highlights the ongoing struggle of Tibetans in exile and their efforts to seek justice for the abducted Panchen Lama. The peace march in Shimla serves as a platform for Tibetans to raise awareness and rally support from the international community. By demanding the intervention of the Indian government, the UN, and global leaders, Tibetans hope to exert pressure on China and secure the release of the 11th Panchen Lama. This event underscores the significance of the Panchen Lama in Tibetan Buddhism and the determination of Tibetans to fight for the rights and freedom of their spiritual leaders [b8cecb1d] [5cfba7cd].
In addition to the peace march, Indians and Tibetans also celebrated the 89th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama in Shimla. Elders, young women, monks, and students of the Tibetan community, along with Indians, gathered in the Tibetan school, Chhota Shimla, to celebrate the occasion. The Indian Buddhist community and local residents also participated in large numbers. The celebration included traditional Tibetan folk dances and Indian cultural performances by Tibetan students. The additional chief secretary of the state government, Onkar Chand Sharma, participated and presided over the program. Tsewang Phuntsok, Chief Representative Officer of the Central Tibetan Administration, emphasized the importance of the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan community, considering him a living Buddha and a symbol of peace and kindness. Indian Buddhists expressed their happiness in celebrating the birthday of a Buddhist temporal leader who promotes peace and Buddhism worldwide. The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in the small farming village of Takster, northeastern Tibet. He was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two and formally installed as the head of the state of Tibet in February 1940 [908341ed].
Meanwhile, in Plymouth, a Tibetan Buddhist monk named Chamtrul Rinpoche is visiting to teach people about reincarnation and meditation. Chamtrul Rinpoche, recognized as the reincarnation of a great master from the Nyingma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, is dedicated to helping people find inner peace. This will be his fifth visit to Plymouth, where he will offer teachings on reincarnation and meditation on July 8 and July 9, respectively. The teachings are open to all individuals regardless of background or belief system. Chamtrul Rinpoche is currently on a global tour to share his wisdom. Meditation and mindfulness are rising in popularity as practices that can help maintain a healthy existence. Chamtrul Rinpoche's teachings aim to guide students and audiences towards inner peace and happiness. The event will take place at the Rolle Building 018, University of Plymouth [15fc0053].