Bylakuppe:  Seven-day special mass prayers are being conducted by Buddhist Monks of Tibetan Settlement at Sera Mey Monastery here, for the well-being of the people of the flood-hit Kodagu in the State and neighbouring State of Kerala.

The special prayers are being conducted from Sept.22 and will continue up to Oct.1.

The Sera Mey Monastery is being illuminated on all the 10 days. The prayer hall is being decorated with special lights. The tables in the hall are arranged with apples, biscuits and others. Huge lamps are being lit during prayers and the whole area reverberates with chanting of prayers.

The Monks offer prayers to the statue of ‘Medicine Buddha,’ who is believed to cure those suffering from health issues. The Tibetans, at the rehabilitation centres, have not limited themselves to prayers, but have also visited the flood-affected areas and have distributed clothes, medicines and food worth around Rs.6 lakh.

Sera Mey Monastery has helped those affected from the natural calamity and 2,000 Buddhist Monks, including 10 years to 70 years old, are praying for the well-being of the victims.”

— Geshe Tashi Tsering of the Monastery

In view of providing financial aid to the flood victims, already Rs.13 lakh has been collected from Tibetan settlements in Kullu, Manali, Dharamshala and other places. As Tibetans believe that praying Medicine Buddha for seven days will bring good fortune, special prayers are being conducted at Sera Mey Monastery.”

—J.P. Urs, Co-ordinator, Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society