Ven. Kalsang Tenzin, a dedicated monk hailing from Amdo, embarked on an extraordinary pilgrimage in 2008. His journey took him from his homeland to India via Nepal, with the noble intention of promoting world peace. Motivated by the rich Tibetan tradition of prostrate pilgrimage, Ven. Kalsang Tenzin embraced the arduous path as a means of deepening his devotion and spiritual growth.
The Tibetan people hold profound reverence for their leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Many Tibetans from the Kham and Amdo regions undertake pilgrimages to Lhasa, yearning for a glimpse of His Holiness Dalai Lama’s seat in the magnificent Potala Palace and to pay homage to the sacred sites in the area. Additionally, groups of Tibetans embark on pilgrimages to sacred places like Mount Kailash, forming strong bonds with one another under the name of “Choedruk.”
Reflecting on my own childhood, I recall a time when my parents embarked on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, leaving me in the care of my grandmother and other relatives. In their absence, I diligently tended to the family’s yaks and sheep, hoping that the merit gained from my parents’ sacred journey would also extend to me. As fate would have it, my hopes came to fruition, and now I find myself able to visit the holy sites in India and receive the blessings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. In gratitude, I fervently wish for my prayers and blessings to reach my parents in return.
After an arduous nine-month journey from Bodhgaya to Dharamshala by covering more than 2000 km, Ven Kalsang Tenzin finally arrived at his destination—the Dalai Lama’s temple in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala. Overwhelmed with emotions, he prostrated himself three times at the residence gate of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama. Then he proceeded to the main temple, where he offered heartfelt prayers for the well-being of all sentient beings and the attainment of global peace. The fulfillment of his long-awaited dream brought tears of joy, gratitude, and deep spiritual fulfillment to his eyes.
Kalsang Tenzin’s extraordinary journey and his arrival at the Dalai Lama’s temple symbolize his unwavering devotion to the spiritual path he has chosen. Through his pilgrimage, he manifests his commitment to promoting peace in the world. His prayers, accompanied by tears born from both joy and compassion, reverberate with a heartfelt hope that peace will prevail on Earth, benefiting all sentient beings.
