All images copyright: Luke Distelhorst

In front of the Janraiseg Temple, a main temple of the monastery, the Dalai Lama blessed the gathered people, who were cheering on the Buddhist leader.

“We need to focus on modern, current education, but not forget about our traditional ways of life,” the Dalai Lama stated.

“Many years ago Mongolia was much like Tibet, and the citizens of both countries were barbarians. But after education and learning, we have grown to be the states we are today.”

Mongolia, a predominantly Buddhist nation, welcomed the Dalai Lama despite potential anger from China, which accuses him of being a separatist of Tibet.

He arrived late in evening of August 21 at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport on a MIAT Mongolian National Airlines flight from Tokyo, Japan. Representatives from the Indian Embassy as well as officials from Gandantegchenlin Monastery and a small group of around 30 citizens greeted him at the airport.

During his visit, the Dalai Lama will stay in the Ikh Tenger Presidential Compound outside the city, and will make private and public teachings and ceremonies in the Central Stadium, the largest public venue in the city.

Today, Air China delayed its passenger flights to Ulaanbaatar citing poor weather as the cause. During the Dalai Lama’s 2002 visit to Mongolia, the Chinese authorities closed railway links with Mongolia for over two days.

The Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement on August 21 concerning the Dalai Lama’s visit. “The 14th Dalai Lama visits at the invitation of Gandantegchenlin Monastery, Mongolian Buddhist Center. The Dalai Lama visited Mongolia several times before through religious channel and was only doing religious activities. He did not attempt to make any political activities in the past when he was in Mongolia. Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers that this visit will be similar as previous ones,” said the statement.

While a press spokesman for the Office of President N. Enkhbayar said there was no official meeting planned between President Enkhbayar and the Dalai Lama, a private visit was more likely to take place.

The Dalai Lama is set to leave Mongolia on August 28.