His Holiness, Kundan, Dalai Lama is one of Arakawa, Shifu's most personal and dearest friends. Together, they have been instrumental in arranging the evacuation of Monks & some of their families; out from underneath Chinese Communist oppression. University education, clothing, medical attention and meals are furnished so that they can better help themselves, as well as others who are held in captivity under the Chinese Communist. Today, still no help benefits Tibet as many have been imprisoned, tortured, and /or, killed under Chinese Communist Govrnment rule. Tibet has been literally stolen, looted and raped for over the past 55 years and still, the United States government, as well and the United Nations, have not intervened in taking control in this matter.
In 2001, on August 7th, his birthday, Tenshin Arakawa, Shifu, although a Chen Yen Shingon Mikkyo Order Monk, was accepted into theTibetan Buddhist Order, of the Namgryal Monastery of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, because of his contribution, dedication and work , for his quest in helping in the liberation of His Holiness people. Present was Tibetan historian & scholar, Geshe Sopa, Lama and His Holiness, Dalai Lama's most Senior Monk, the Venerable, Ngawang Chojor, Lama and many of the Namgyal family. A festive party was thrown in Arakawa, Shifu's honor where he was given a 'Kata' ( a long silk shawl with eight imprinted dieties) by His Holiness and a hand painted 'Thangka' of the Buddha by Geshe Sopa, Lama & theVenerable, Ngawang, Lama. The festivities was complete with the serving of Tibetan Tea, and one of their favorite dishes, 'Mo-Mo', a yak meat dumpling and flat Tibetan cake.
Over the years, Tenshin Arakawa, Shifu has been engaged in the Tibetan Techings of 'Tibetan Lama Pai Haap Ga Kyun', a ancient Tibetan martial art and 'Tibetan Kum Nye' which is a rare Tibetan Method of Yoga. In 2003, Arakawa, Shifu received the highest Honor of Attainment, 'The Nine Thangka Scrolls of Tibetan Rites'. Today, if asked if he is the only non-Tibetan to receive such a Honor, Arakawa, Shifu will say, " I do not know of any other non-asians who may have received the Thangka Scrolls, but if any others have attained such Honors, it is certainly none of my business and I wish them well and my congratulations."
The Venerable, Ngawang Chojor, Lama. His Holiness most Senior Monk of the Namgyal Monastery
His Holines, Dala Lama's personal Shrine, Prayer & Meditation room.
Photographs were allowed and taken by Arakawa, Shifu upon his stay and audience.