Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama turned 90 today. On the eve of his birthday, the Dalai Lama urged his followers to be compassionate towards everyone and asserted that he will continue to focus on promoting human values and religious harmony.
The Tibetan community in McLeodganj is marking the Dalai Lama's birthday with week-long celebrations starting Sunday. The events include a religious conference, a youth forum, film screenings, and prayers for the long life of the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Dalai Lama's message on 90th birthday
"On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism," the Dalai Lama said in a post on X.
"I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts. While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone," he added.
He also said he will continue to promote human values and religious harmony, adding that he will continue to dispel the miseries of the world. "While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place," he said.
"As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, and religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion," he added.
About Dalai Lala
The Dalai Lama’s birth anniversary celebrations on Sunday will be attended by cabinet ministers Kiren Rijiju, a practicing Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere are slated to attend the ceremony.
Born on July 6, 1935, into a farming family in what is now Qinghai province, the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 with a large group of Tibetans after the Chinese military under the command of Communist Party founder Mao Zedong took over Tibet.
Since then, he has made Dharamshala his "adopted" home. Today, he is regarded as one of the world’s most influential spiritual leaders, with a global following that extends far beyond the Buddhist community.
In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his unwavering commitment to peace, compassion, and nonviolence.
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