Gangtok, Dec 12 (UNI) Thousands of devotees gathered at the venue Paljour stadium and before giant screens at various spots of the city as Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama delivered a sermon on the 37 practices of Bodhisattvas on Tuesday.

On day two of his trip to Sikkim, the Dalai Lama also laid the foundation stone of the Karmapa Park project in Rumtek and the Gyalwa Lhatsun statue project at Simik-Khamdong by virtual mode.

Around 4500 people were present at the Paljour Stadium to catch a glimpse of the Dalai Lama and listen to his discourse while innumerable devotees watched the programme's live telecast on giant screens installed at MG Marg and Chintan Bhawan.

The spiritual leader was accompanied by Sikkim Governor LP Acharya, and Chief Minister PS Tamang. Earlier, on his arrival at the decked up stadium, the Dalai Lama was received by state minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs Sonam Lama. The Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court Biswanath Somaddar also graced the occasion.

At the outset, all devotees prostrated thrice in front of the Dalai Lama.

During the sermon, the Dalai Lama stressed on unity, brotherhood and compassion, particularly among followers of different religions.



"The practice of Bodhisattvas is to remove the sufferings of limitless beings, understanding the virtues of three spheres, dedicating the virtues for bringing enlightenment," said the Dalai Lama. The 37 practices quoted, have been written by Monk Togmay Zangpo in the Dulchu Rinchen cave.

The sermon was translated into Nepali by a monk. UNI NN SSP