Washington DC: On July 12th morning, the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama undertook his preparatory rituals for the Kalachakra teachings at the Verizon Center. This included a ritual dance offering by the monks of Namgyal Monastery in the afternoon. Artists of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts also presented a few cultural performances as part of the offering.
Thereafter, His Holiness left Verizon Center to the Hilton Hotel, where he first gave an interview to Voice of America's Chinese (Mandarin) service). TV host Xin Chen conducted the interview, and the issues touched included the impact of His Holiness' devolution of authority on the Tibetan-Chinese dialogue as well as His Holiness' message to the Chinese people. His Holiness was also asked about his opinion on Xi Jinping, who is to be the next leader of China.
Following the interview, His Holiness addressed the benefactors of the Kalachakra teachings. In his remarks His Holiness talked about the significance of moral ethics and why people need to make special effort in adhering to them. He also advised the people to go beyond the rituals in trying to understand Buddhism by using their analytical mind. His Holiness said they should be 21st century Buddhists.
His Holiness expressed his appreciation of the benefactors for enabling such the Kalachakra teachings to be organised in Washington, DC. He added that they should dedicate whatever virtues they accumulate to the wellbeing of all sentient beings.
His Holiness retired for the day thereafter.
On 13 July, His Holiness will begin the actual Kalachakra empowerment. In the morning there will be the self-generation prayers and in the afternoon, preliminary initiation for students.
Since His Holiness began his teachings at the Verizon Center, many devotees have been seen doing prostration offerings inside the hall when the preparation rituals were being performed. Since the Verizon Center has a circular concourse, devotees can also be seen doing circumambulation in the concourse when His Holiness is present in the hall.
