12 March 2014, – Vajra Vidya Monastery, Sarnath
Four days after the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, as so many people wait, distressed and puzzled, to discover the fate of the passengers, His Holiness held a candlelight vigil at Vajra Vidya Institute in Sarnath, to make prayers for the missing people, their families and friends. His Holiness was joined by the monks of the Institute, and many foreign students. As we chanted supplications to the protectress Tara and to Guru Rinpoche, some monks began to light butter lamps. As per His Holiness’s instruction, they had written out the flight number with the lamps. Gentle tones echoed through the night, carrying our best wishes and prayers for the well-being of the lost passengers, their loved ones, and indeed all beings in distress. It was a good opportunity to slow down and feel our connections with others. As our leader and guide, His Holiness presided over the entire ceremony, setting a tone of both introspection and compassionate outreach. The vigil ended with Atisha’s lamp prayer, by which we made final candle lamp offerings to further invoke the compassion of the buddhas and bodhisattvas. We joined His Holiness and the global community of concerned people, making prayers for the best outcome possible for all involved. The candles are still burning bright.
