21 June 2006
Scheduled Kalachakra ceremony in Tibet stopped
Phayul reports that Chinese authorities have revoked their decision to allow Tibetans in Gansu (in the traditional Tibetan province of Amdo) to hold a Kalachakra ceremony, despite the preparations for the event being in an advanced stage. It is believed that the reason behind the cancellation was because it coincides with the 06 July birthday of the Dalai Lama and the authorities suspect political motivations behind this date. The organisers of the ceremony had obtained the necessary permission from both the Chinese Central Government and Gansu Provincial Government but the permission was suddenly revoked by the Provincial Government on 14 June, which cited reasons such as transfer of officials, busy meeting schedules, among others. The ceremony was the dying wish of the late 7th Aala Dewatsang who had given 40 Kalachakra teachings in the past in Tibet and Mongolia. It was to be the first Kalachakra ceremony led by his successor, the 8th Aala Dewatsang, who wanted to fulfill his predecessor's wish.