In the picturesque town of Dharamshala, thousands of Tibetan Buddhists braved fierce monsoon rains to commemorate the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on Sunday. The mountain setting was alive with laughter and chants, as attendees did not allow the weather to dampen their spirits. Dressed in traditional attire, the Dalai Lama appeared joyful, supported by two monks, and brought forth a message of hope and selflessness.
Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a devoted follower, was present at the celebration and expressed his delight, calling it a "joyous, joyous day." During his speech, he praised the Dalai Lama for embodying selflessness and compassion. The event marked the conclusion of a week filled with long-life prayers timed with the Dalai Lama's birthday on the Tibetan lunar calendar.
At a ceremony on Saturday, the Dalai Lama assured his followers of his good health and stated his intention to live for another 40 years, reaching 130. Although he typically shuns birthday celebrations, he expressed appreciation for his supporters using the occasion to reflect on the principles of peace and compassion.
During his address, the Dalai Lama remarked on the importance of focusing not only on material development, but on attaining inner peace and kindness. He emphasized that compassion should extend to everyone, not just those close to us.
In the days leading to his birthday, he confirmed that he would have a successor, alleviating concerns about the future of the 600-year-old institution. According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after death. However, this process is entangled in political tension, particularly with China asserting its authority in Tibet. The Dalai Lama has previously indicated that his reincarnation will occur outside of China, leading to apprehensions that the Chinese government may attempt to influence the succession.
Numerous figures, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Barack Obama, shared their birthday wishes, highlighting the Dalai Lama’s role as a global symbol of love and moral guidance.
As celebrations unfolded amid fears of external influences on his lineage, the persevering spirit of Tibetan culture and resistance was palpably felt, underscoring the Dalai Lama's enduring impact on the Tibetan identity and struggle for autonomy.
Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a devoted follower, was present at the celebration and expressed his delight, calling it a "joyous, joyous day." During his speech, he praised the Dalai Lama for embodying selflessness and compassion. The event marked the conclusion of a week filled with long-life prayers timed with the Dalai Lama's birthday on the Tibetan lunar calendar.
At a ceremony on Saturday, the Dalai Lama assured his followers of his good health and stated his intention to live for another 40 years, reaching 130. Although he typically shuns birthday celebrations, he expressed appreciation for his supporters using the occasion to reflect on the principles of peace and compassion.
During his address, the Dalai Lama remarked on the importance of focusing not only on material development, but on attaining inner peace and kindness. He emphasized that compassion should extend to everyone, not just those close to us.
In the days leading to his birthday, he confirmed that he would have a successor, alleviating concerns about the future of the 600-year-old institution. According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after death. However, this process is entangled in political tension, particularly with China asserting its authority in Tibet. The Dalai Lama has previously indicated that his reincarnation will occur outside of China, leading to apprehensions that the Chinese government may attempt to influence the succession.
Numerous figures, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Barack Obama, shared their birthday wishes, highlighting the Dalai Lama’s role as a global symbol of love and moral guidance.
As celebrations unfolded amid fears of external influences on his lineage, the persevering spirit of Tibetan culture and resistance was palpably felt, underscoring the Dalai Lama's enduring impact on the Tibetan identity and struggle for autonomy.
