The upcoming Kalachakra initiations in Bodh Gaya by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is expected to draw two hundred thousand devotees from different countries including 10,000 Buddhists from the Indian state Arunachal Pradesh, said Thupten Jampa, the Joint Secretary of the 32nd Kalachakra Organising Committee.
Kalchakra is a Sanskrit word which means the time-wheel. The initiations first taught by Buddha Shakyamuni is considered by Buddhists as one of the most important teachings.
This 32nd Kalachakra teachings scheduled from December 31, 2011 to January 10, 2012 is sponsored by the family of late Dorji Khandu, the former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama agreed to confer the 32nd Kalachakra initiations at Bhodhgaya, Bihar,” Jampa told Phayul. “Our chief organiser, Pema Khandu, Minister of Tourism and WRD, government of Arunachal Pradesh has already gained full cooperation and support from the Bihar administration,†the Organising Committee member said.
Speaking on the accommodation facilities for the devotees, the Joint Secretary told Phayul that tent accommodation charges for devotees from Arunachal Pradesh will be waivered while the rest of attendees will have to pay nominal accommodation charges.
“We will charge only the basic cost of the tent. Electricity and water will be free of cost to all the attendants at the Kalachakra teachings,” clarified Jampa.
Jampa said that the Organising Committee will be able to provide accommodation for only the leading organisations in exile like “the Tibetan Youth Congress and the Tibetan Women’s Association” who are working in collaboration with the Kalachakra organisers.
On the sidelines of the Kalachakra initiations, a collective prayer session on January 1has also been scheduled at Buddha park in Patna, the capital city of Bihar which is expected to draw world religious leaders and noble peace laureates.
His Holiness Dalai Lama and Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar are scheduled to take part in the congregation.