TSEWAng Rigzin
LEH: Ladakh accorded a warm reception to Skaybgon Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport Leh on his arrival from New Delhi on Wednesday morning. Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) led by Joint Secretary Tsewang Namgyal, Executive Councillors from Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh, monks and chakzots from Hemis, Chemre and Zorzok monasteries, members of Young Drukpa Association (YDA) headed by president Nawang Rinchen Wachar and heads of political organisations arrived at the airport to receive Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche.
Later, Gyalwang Drukpa along with Rinpoches was taken in a motorcade to Chowkhang Vihara where Mandal Tsensum was offered to the Rinpoche by LBA representatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche raised concerns over climate change being witnessed in Ladakh too as mountains are still without much snow. Recalling how it used to snow in the past, he said earlier it was difficult to drive vehicles to Hemis during winter months. “I felt sad to see mountains without snow at this time of the year as it would bring trouble for Ladakhis,” Rinpoche said. Claiming that everyone shares the responsibility, he said holistic development of spirituality also plays a crucial role to maintain the balance of fragile ecosystem.
“Some scientists recognised climate change due to human behaviour and alarmed more than 20 years ago but majority of the people never changed their style of living which contributed to environmental degradation”, he said while raising concern over the growing number of suicides in Ladakh. He said that such cases of suicides reflect that inner peace is not attained with material development.
“The society is being divided on different grounds and disagreements are everywhere. This attitude of human beings have confused the protective spirits (Lha-Lhu) also that is why it doesn’t snow or rain when required”, he said while urging people of Ladakh to be cooperative, united and at peace with each other. Skaybgon Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche is scheduled to teach Prajna Paramita and Sengey Tsewa at Hemis Monastery from January 12th during the 4th winter teaching festival.
