Gangtok/UNI: Thousands of devotees gathered at Paljour Stadium, as well as in front of giant screens installed at various spots across the city, to witness the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama delivering a sermon on the 37 practices of Bodhisattvas on Tuesday.

On the second day of his trip to Sikkim, the Dalai Lama also laid the foundation stone of the Karmapa Park project in Rumtek and the Gyalwa Lhatsun statue project at Simik-Khamdong via virtual mode.

Around 4,500 people reached the Paljour Stadium to attend the event.

A large number of people watched the live telecast of Dalai Lama’s discourse on giant screens set up at MG Marg and Chintan Bhawan.

The spiritual leader was accompanied by Sikkim Governor LP Acharya and Chief Minister PS Tamang.

Earlier, on his arrival at the decked-up stadium, the Dalai Lama was received by the state minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs Sonam Lama.

The Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court Biswanath Samaddar was also present on the occasion.

At the outset, all devotees prostrated thrice in front of the Dalai Lama to exhibit their reverence.

During the sermon, the Dalai Lama stressed unity, brotherhood, and compassion, particularly among followers of different religions.

"The practice of Bodhisattvas is to remove the sufferings of limitless beings, understanding the virtues of three spheres, dedicating the virtues for bringing enlightenment," said the Dalai Lama.

The 37 practices quoted were written by Monk Togmay Zangpo in the Dulchu Rinchen cave.

The sermon was translated into Nepali by a monk.