In Dharamshala’s spiritual heart, the Mani mantra echoed through the hills as His Holiness the Dalai Lama emphasized cultivating compassion and resilience amidst Tibet’s ongoing journey in exile.
BY PC Bureau
June 1, 2025
On the auspicious sixth day of the Tibetan lunar month of Saka Dawa, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama graced the annual Mani Dhondrup prayer session at Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The event, a significant spiritual gathering for Tibetan Buddhists, marked the recitation of 100 million Mani mantras, the sacred chant of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
The Mani Dhondrup prayer, held annually during the holy month of Saka Dawa, draws hundreds of devotees, including monks, nuns, and laypeople, to the Tsuglakhang temple complex. This year’s ceremony, led by the monks of Namgyal Monastery, saw a vibrant congregation chanting the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” in unison, with the merits of their prayers believed to multiply millions of times during this sacred period. The event culminated in the blessing of millions of holy Mani pills, which will be distributed worldwide to devotees.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama attends Saka Dawa’s annual ‘Mani Dhondrup’ prayer at Thekchen Choeling Tsuglakhang in Dharamshala on 1 June 2025.
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Addressing the gathering, His Holiness emphasized the importance of cultivating compassion alongside the recitation of the Mani mantra. “As we begin Mani Dhondrup, we must cultivate a compassionate mind,” he said, urging attendees to nurture their innate warm-heartedness and altruistic spirit from an early age to preserve Tibet’s unique cultural and spiritual heritage. He also spoke optimistically about the inevitability of change in Tibet’s current situation, reflecting on the resilience of the Tibetan people in exile.
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Saka Dawa, the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Lord Buddha, making it one of the most sacred times for Tibetan Buddhists. Devotees engage in spiritual practices, visit holy sites, and perform acts of generosity, with the Mani Dhondrup prayer being a highlight of the month-long observances. The ceremony, which typically spans six to seven days, is a powerful expression of devotion and unity within the Tibetan community.
The Tsuglakhang temple, located in the serene hills of Dharamshala, buzzed with spiritual fervor as monks chanted prayers and devotees rotated the temple’s gold-plated prayer wheel, inscribed with the Mani mantra. The temple complex, a politico-religious center and home to the Namgyal Monastery, also houses a museum showcasing Tibetan culture and the Dalai Lama’s teachings, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
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The presence of His Holiness, who arrived at the temple courtyard to a warm welcome, added profound significance to the event. Devotees, including women and children, filled the temple, their faces radiant with devotion. The Dalai Lama’s participation included blessing “‘Mani pills,’” a ritual believed to carry spiritual blessings to those who receive them. Thubten Pema Lama, director of a Buddhist monastery in Dharamshala, noted the event’s importance, especially after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years. “For this occasion, the Dalai Lama has come to bless millions of pills, which will be distributed across the world,” he said.
The ceremony also highlighted the enduring spirit of the Tibetan community in exile, with His Holiness expressing gratitude for their unity and dedication to preserving their culture and religion despite decades of challenges. The event concluded with prayers for the long life of the Dalai Lama and the well-being of all sentient beings, resonating with the core Buddhist principles of compassion and interdependence.
