The  Grand Inauguration of the New Assembly Hall of Drepung Loseling Monastery On 7th January 2008

 
Since the holy entrance of Buddhism into Tibet in the 7th century, Tibetan society has been predominantly centred around Buddhism and the Sangha, with daily life and even lay communities being influenced by Buddhism and the Sangha. As a result, spiritual values over material gains is firmly rooted in "typical" Tibetan families. Although Tibetans  were backward in terms of technology, their mental happiness was prioritised.
 
It is the genuine quest to facilitate this ‘mental happiness’ that Centers for Advanced Buddhist learnings like Drepung Loseling plays a vital role.                
 
Ever since it’s inception in early 15th century, Drepung Loseling Monastic Institute had been an elite Center for Advanced Buddhist Studies and Practices. After its virtual destruction in Lhasa, Tibet by the Communists In 1959,  through the guidance and blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, it was re-established in South India and has regained its past glory.
 
The number of aspirants In the Monastery have been increasing - partly due to new arrivals and partly due to the recognition of Loseling Monastery as an outstanding place to study Buddhadharma and practice -- well indicated by the monastery’s building of two Assembly Halls in quick succession only to be rendered over-congested in a very short time.

It was in mid-1990s, that the problem of over-congested Assembly hall came to the fore. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, seeing an urgent need, suggested that thought be given to address this acute problem. Showing tremendous concern for our monastery, His Holiness conducted many observations and consulted supreme deities and oracles on this matter.

In 2003, the New Assembly Hall Project was launched and gained instant and quick momentum, thanks to the inspiration from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the enthusiasm of the monks to proceed with the project.  A myriad number of programs, and fund-raising efforts were carried out worldwide to garner the funds needed to make the new hall possible. And now, it is ready for the formal inauguration by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 7th January 2008.

Wishing to make the Inauguration Ceremony a grand success being a matter of utmost priotiy, a 15-member Preparation and Reception Committee was constituted --- one year in advance --- by a unanimous General Body of Monks Meeting.  The committee has been putting all their hard efforts planning to provide the best hospitality (though very limited in resources) to those attending His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ 2 weeks’ teaching plus host a  high profile Science-Seminar, attended by many renowned Scientific figures from USA and else where.  In this regard, the committee  – criss-crossing India and beyond----has approached many influential figures in politics and others to gather support for the event. His Excellency the Governors of Karnataka State (our home state) and two other neighboring states have graciously agreed to be among the confirmed Guests of Honour  on the auspicious occasion.

It Is our sincere desire to extend our humble helping hand to everyone coming for the teachings, hoping to relieve them of any unpleasant experiences during the stay.  It’s our honour and privilege to host as many of you and we humbly request you all to inform us of your schedule particulars, accommodation needs etc --- as soon as possible, preferably through e-mail or telephone --- in order to help us serve you better.

The Inauguration of the New Assembly Hall by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a great moment and grand occasion to rejoice with our friends and well-wishers and remember their perennial kind generous support all these years. Yes, it is also rare golden opportunity and privilege to play a small role to serve the Buddhadharma by hosting 2 weeks of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings benefiting one and all.

This Grand Prayer Hall is not just a matter of brick and mortar. It is the hope and aspiration of monks come to life; it is a house of prayer; a focal point to nurture humble yet profound spiritualism. It is a place where practitioners come together to help this planet and a world  which is troubled by many sorrows.

We,  the monks of Drepung Loseling Monastic Institute are eagerly looking forward to  your joining us on the Great Occasion.

SPECIAL GRATITUDE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ON INAUGURATION
 
We are profoundly grateful to our sublime His Holiness the Dalai Lama for gracing this occasion with His precious teachings and allocating time to officiate the Inauguration despite his busy schedule.
 
We are deeply grateful for the presence of our honoured guests and dignatories for your years of help, understanding and friendship.
 
We greatly appreciate our friends and well-wishers here and around the world facilitating the successful completion of this grand New Assembly Hall ---currently the largest Buddhist Congregational Prayer Hall in the world. It would have been remained just a plan-on-paper without your generous support.
 
WITH PRAYERS FOR YOUR GOOD HEALTH AND FULFILLED NOBLE WISHES