“I would like to especially acknowledge the continued support, contribution and commitment of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Maitreya’s partner organisation in Mongolia, Asral NGO.”
Ven. Panchen Ötrul Rinpoche expressed his gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, with whom he has a special connection going back a long time, for his ongoing support of Asral NGO. In 1995, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, His Holiness made a request to Ven Panchen Ötrul Rinpoche to come to Mongolia to help with the re-establishment of Buddhism.The level of poverty he encountered was so great that he immediately set about finding ways to combat it.
His Holiness has often highlighted the special historical connection between Tibet and Mongolia, stressing the importance for Mongolia to carry Ghengis Khan’s spirit into the 21st century: “modernisation, with a thousand year old compassionate culture, must go together.”
His Holiness has been one of Asral’s greatest supporters since its foundation, providing substantial financial assistance for the building of the centre, and continuously contributing to Asral’s social work initiatives.
When he came to Mongolia in 2006, he made a special visit to Asral Centre, speaking to management and staff, addressing the community and planting a memorial tree in front of the building. During his last visit to Mongolia in 2011, His Holiness presented a special gift to the Centre. In 2012 he showed his continued commitment to Asral, by providing substantial financial support for Asral’s social work projects
“Genuine happiness comes from focussing on the happiness of others.”