His Holiness the Dalai Lama Consecrates Matreya Statue at Disket Monastery

His Holiness the Dalai Lama opening the name plate of the newly installed statue of Gyalwa Jampa at Disket Monastery in Ladakh's Nubra valley, on 25 July 2010/Photos by Tibetonline TV

Nubra, Ladakh: His Holiness the Dalai Lama blessed a newly installed Matreya statue during a ceremony at Ladakh's oldest and largest Disket Monastery (Dekyi Gonpa in Tibetan) on Sunday. (Watch)

Dressed in their best traditional costumes, a large number of local people attended the ceremony during which many important dignitaries including His Eminence the 102nd Gaden Tripa, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Thiksey Rinpoche were present.

The 100 feet high statue of Matreya (Gyalwa Jampa) was build at a cost of around Rs 2 crores with the collaboration of Disket Kunrog Tsogpa and Disket Jamgon Sarsheng Nyamrog Thundel Tsogpa.

While laying the foundation stone in 2007 His Holiness the Dalai Lama had said he has started the construction work and would give the final touch by blessing the statue on its completion.

100 feet high statue of Gyalwa Jampa at Disket monastery, which was blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

According to Thiksey Rinpoche, the Matreya statue was installed to help spread the teachings of Buddha in general, and for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to ward off epidemics and calamities.  It was also aimed to sustain peace in Nubra valley which is located on the borders of China and Pakistan, he added.

In his address, His Holiness the Dalai Lama praised the efforts made in the successful installation of the Matreya statue.

His Holiness underlined that one should have the motivation of love in the heart on hearing the name of Matreya.

His Holiness expressed his appreciation for the progress made in health, education and keeping spiritual vows and disciplines in monastic learning centres due to the efforts of many concerned officials in Ladakh.

Speaking of crucial environmental issue, His Holiness said each and every individual of the community should have awareness about the problems of global warming, which he said is related to happiness and well-being of the whole world.

His Holiness said his friend, named Huguna, has given him the responsibility to speak about environment preservation wherever he visits a Himalayan region.

Appealing to the local people to take responsibility in protecting the environment, His Holiness said people living in the Himalayan region should focus on tree plantation, which he said would add to the landscapes' greenery and bring peace and happiness of mind in the day to day life.

Chief Minister Abdullah said the blessing of the Matreya statue would bring peace and happiness not only to Nubra valley but also to the whole world including India and the entire India Jammu & Kashmir state.

It is very fortunate that members of four generations from my family have received the opportunity to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mr Abdullah said.

--Report filed by Jigme Tsering and Namgyal Tsewang of Tibetonline TV

More pictures of the event:

From left: J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, H E the Gaden Tripa and Thiksey Rinpoche during the consecration ceremony

Local dance troupes present cultural performances during the ceremony

Venerable Thiksey Rinpoche greets His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his arrival at Disket monastery on Sunday, 25 July 2010

source tibet.net