Dalai Lama visits Buddhist monastries of foreign countries UNI Thursday, January 09, 2003 Bodh Gaya, January 8 - His Holiness The Dalai Lama today visited the Buddhist monastries of Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, China and Vietnam here today.

Additional Secretary in the Department of Information and International Relations of Central Tibetan Administration Sonam N Dagpo told UNI that The Dalai Lama was received by the abbots and in-charge of the monastries, where he spent some time in prayers.

Mr Dagpo said that more than 100,000 Buddhists from all over the world have arrived so far for the Kalchakra puja, including 1300 Tibetans from Tibet.

About 600 foreigners and Indians have registered themselves for the puja, enabling them to attend the Kalchakra, initiation and teachings.

Meanwhile, the 'Geleng Monlam' (great prayer), which began yesterday, will continue till January 11.

Mr Dagpo also said that the Karmapa left for Sarnath for a pilgrimage during the day and would be coming back to Bodh Gaya before the Kalchakra Puja, starting next Sunday.

He said the Dalai Lama will undertake the 'Ground Ritual' to 'purify' the Kalchakra teaching venue.