Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Dalai Lama returns to Leh's meditation centre after 32 years
The Dalai Lama is a very important spiritual leader for many people around the world.
After a very long time, 32 years, he went back to visit a special place called the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in a town named Leh.
He first opened that campus in 1994, and now he came back to bless it again.
People welcomed him with songs, traditional gifts and a special ceremony.
He walked around a Buddha Park that has 1,000 Buddha statues, which stand for peace and compassion.
The centre's founder, Bhikkhu Sanghasena, told him about plans for a new university called Mahakaruna University, where people will study compassion.
The Dalai Lama also sent a kind message for an upcoming festival about black-necked cranes, a rare bird that lives in the mountains.
Next month, the centre will hold a big conference about how artificial intelligence can be guided by compassion and human values.
Many people from India and all over the world visit this centre to learn, meditate and help others.
The 14th Dalai Lama returned to the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Leh on Sunday for the first time in 32 years.
He blessed the Devachan Campus, which he had inaugurated in 1994, with traditional offerings, addresses and a student song presentation.
He visited the MIMC Buddha Park for World Peace and circumambulated the 1,000 Buddha statues (Stongsku).
Founder Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena shared plans for the proposed Mahakaruna University, a centre dedicated to universal compassion.
MIMC is preparing to host the International Conference on AI, Spirituality, Education and Compassion next month.
- Who
- The 14th Dalai Lama and MIMC founder and spiritual director Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, along with monks, nuns, students, staff and volunteers.
- What
- The Dalai Lama returned to and blessed the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre after 32 years, including a visit to the Buddha Park for World Peace.
- When
- Sunday; the article does not specify the exact date.
- Where
- The Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre's Devachan Campus in Leh.
- Why
- To bless the campus he inaugurated in 1994 and renew his association with the centre's mission of compassion, education, meditation and world peace.
- Event
- Dalai Lama's return to MIMC after 32 years
- Location
- Devachan Campus, Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh
- Original inauguration
- 1994
- Years since last visit
- 32
- Founder and Spiritual Director
- Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena
- Buddha statues at Buddha Park
- 1,000 (Stongsku)
- Proposed university
- Mahakaruna University
- Upcoming conference
- International Conference on AI, Spirituality, Education and Compassion (next month)