Dear Friends,
I am extremely happy to have this celebration again. This event was begun by our great, kind master Lama Yeshe. Not only was he practicing the Dharma, but he was a highly realized practitioner. Not only was he a scholar of the Buddha's teachings, but he had a great and deep understanding of the meaning of the words. Not only was he a practitioner, but he was a highly attained yogi of the sutra and tantra path of this twentieth century. Lama Yeshe widely illuminated the western world with Buddhism.

On this very important occasion, not only will we have the opportunity to see all the Buddhas' compassion, but we can see Avalokiteshvara in the dynamic human form of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a form that allows us to communicate with him directly, and we will receive blessings by hearing his holy speech. There is no question that this opportunity is an incredible miracle, like a dream, because it will definitely lead us to the end of samsara. It not only will bring about the elimination of all the dukkhas, the sufferings of samsara, but it also includes the elimination of the cause, which resides in our own minds: the delusions and karma.

Even just seeing his holy body has the effect of liberating one from dukkha, planting the seed of liberation from samsara and the seed of full enlightenment. It is an unforgettable memory in this life. It is extremely beneficial to remember His Holiness the Dalai Lama (his holy body and holy speech) at the time of death, when the last breath ends. Remembering His Holiness definitely results in a positive reincarnation, where one is able to again practice Mahayana Buddhism and to meet His Holiness once again. This is a very good meditation to rely on at the time of death, rather than dying with sorrow. The moment of death is the most critical moment in our life; it determines our next reincarnation, whether it will be suffering or happy. Also, every moment in our life is important—how we live our life, with what attitude, whether goodhearted or egotistical. So, we should attempt as much as possible to put into practice the advice of His Holiness. This will make our life most productive.

Please explore the Buddhadharma as much as possible, not only the words but the practice. Thank you very much for coming to this function. Thank you all for all your various kinds of support that have allowed this event to happen. Please enjoy seeing the living Buddha. Please join me in sincere prayers that this very very important annual event of hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama will always continue, without any obstacle.

Sincerely with heartfelt prayers...