Bad Times in Bodhgaya
© Yeshe Chodon
A cloud hangs over the sacred site of the Buddha's enlightenment, the city of Bodhgaya in the Indian state of Bihar. Presently, an international crowd estimated at 100,000 are assembled in this dusty community located in one of India's most poverty-stricken regions, to attend the 10-day Kalachakra puja presided over by His Holiness, the XIV Dalai Lama. Ironically, this ceremony is held to invoke world peace. Equally ironic: the ceremonies which began on the 21st will not be completed. They will be postponed because His Holiness is ill and because several factions threaten to turn this assembly into a battleground. Despite this noble tradition and intention, the scene has turned ugly in several ways.
As of February 2, 2002, he is fine again, but the Dalai Lama did fall ill in the midst of a 10-day puja. He was taken to hospital in Bombay. It turned out to be a gastric infection which was cured with antibiotics and rest. His Holiness is scheduled to be released from hospital Saturday Feb. 2.
Dalai Lama Cancels Prayers In India Thursday January 24, 2002 12:10 PMIt is advised by the High Lamas and the Nechung Oracle to say as many Tara mantras as we can for his swift recovery:GAYA, India (AP) - The Dalai Lama fell ill again Thursday and postponed his teachings before tens of thousands of followers ...
The Dalai Lama told the gathering that he would not be able to sustain the rituals, which require him to sit still for at least five hours.
"It will take some more time to recover fully," the Dalai Lama said, adding, "I still suffer from exhaustion and become tired very quickly."
He was making his first public appearance in days after resting due to exhaustion and stomach pain.
Waving and smiling, he had begun teaching the crowd in the morning, but left the venue within half an hour. Several lamas helped him to get down from the podium.
The Dalai Lama was unable to lead the prayers for Kalchakra, or Wheel of Time, when the ceremonies began Monday, because he had been advised to rest for three days.
The Dalai Lama arrived in Bodhgaya on Thursday in a government helicopter after two days of treatment in a hotel for low blood pressure and gastroenteritis. After that, he was not seen in public until the Thursday morning ceremony. Buddhists are being called upon to pray for the Dalai Lama at this time.
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