Dalai Lama claims China continuing Mao's policy of clamping down on 'Buddhism'

New Delhi, Jan 2: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Sunday extended New Year greetings to Buddhists across the world on the last day of the 3-day special teaching which came to an end at Kalachakra Ground in Bihar's Bodh Gaya.

 

 

 

 

Thousands of monks and devotees here today offered special prayers to the Tibetan spiritual leader wishing him a long life. Thousands of devotees from every corner of the world were present in this program. Prayers were offered on the occasion according to Tibetan tradition for the long life of the Dalai Lama. Dance and music were also presented by Tibetan artists.

 

 

 

 

 

Dalai Lama's Hindi translator, Kailash Sonbodh said that Dalai Lama while extending best wishes said that his health is keeping well. "Today's programme was to offer prayers for his holiness Dalai Lama. In the beginning, his holiness gave the best wishes on the occasion of the new year. Then he said that this is a very precious day today at Bodh Gaya. Today is the new year and all Buddhists are offering prayers for long life. He gave best wishes to the people living here and around the world. He said that his health is well and that he would live till 115 to 120 years of age," Sonbodh said.

 

The translator informed that the prayers were also offered today for "world peace". However, Sonbodh clarified that Dalai Lama, who had accused on Saturday the Chinese government of trying to decimate Buddism, did not say anything about the neighbouring country today. "These prayers are also for world peace. He did not say anything about China today. He gave best wishes to the people, be it from China or elsewhere. He said that change is taking place and things are changing, and the situation will get better," he said. "He (Dalai Lama) had said yesterday that in China, the government does not believe in any religion and terms Buddhism as poison. It was an idea of Mao Zedong which they (the Chinese government) are still continuing. But the public of China has devotion for him. He himself said that the people of China have devotion for him. He gave best wishes for all of them," Sonbodh added.