Today is the full-moon day, the principal day, of Saga Dawa, the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, when Tibetans remember the birth and enlightenment of Buddha Shakyamuni. His Holiness the Dalai Lama walked from the gates to his residence to the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, to give a teaching by way of celebration.

This morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote a letter to the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik to tell him how deeply saddened he was to see reports of the tragic train collision that took place in Balasore last evening, leading to the loss of many precious lives and many injuries.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with almost 500 students who have recently graduated from or are currently studying in the Nalanda Masters Course or the Nalanda Diploma Course offered by Tibet House, New Delhi.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Edgars Rinkevics to congratulate him on his election as the President of Latvia.