May 27, 2022
His Holiness The Dalai Lama inaugurates the monumental 223-volume Monlam Dictionary.
At the ceremony, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, "I would like to express my gratitude to you all for creating this Tibetan-English dictionary. It's very good. We should think about translating it into Chinese as well gradually."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Inaugurates the 223-Volume Monlam Tibetan Dictionary
On the morning of May 27, 2022, at the Main Tibetan Temple (Tsuglagkhang) in Dharamsala, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama presided over the grand inauguration of the 223-volume Monlam Grand Tibetan Dictionary. The ceremony commenced with His Holiness lighting the traditional butter lamp before the monumental collection.
During the event, His Holiness delivered a profound keynote address, stating:
"I would like to express my deep gratitude to all of you for creating this Monlam Dictionary. It is an excellent achievement... We must now consider translating it into Chinese in stages."
Distinguished Guests and Attendees
The ceremony was graced by the presence of high-ranking spiritual leaders and dignitaries, including:
His Holiness the Sakya Trichen Rinpoche (the 41st Sakya Trizin).
The 42nd and 43rd Sakya Trizins.
Kyabje Ling Choktrul Rinpoche.
The 34th Menri Trizin (Spiritual Head of the Bon Tradition).
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche (Former Kalon Tripa).
In addition to the spiritual leadership, the heads of the three pillars of Tibetan democracy attended, including Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Sonam Tenphel. Representatives from various NGOs, the editorial staff of the Monlam Dictionary from across the region, and a large gathering of monastics and laypeople were also present.
Highlights of the Ceremony
Geshe Lobsang Monlam, Director of the Monlam Tibetan IT Research Center, presented a brief report on the project’s progress. Following the report, His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered further words of wisdom and guidance.
As part of the official program:
H.H. Sakya Trichen Rinpoche presented certificates of appreciation to the editors of the dictionary.
Speeches were delivered by Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, Ling Choktrul Rinpoche, the 34th Menri Trizin, the 43rd Sakya Trizin, the Speaker of the TPiE, and the Sikyong.
The ceremony concluded successfully with a vote of thanks from Khenpo Ju Tenkyong, the Editor-in-Chief of the Monlam Grand Dictionary.