The 14th Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday on Saturday with a message of gratitude and reflection, addressing a gathering of dignitaries and followers at the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj. Expressing appreciation for the love and admiration he has received globally over the years, the Tibetan spiritual leader emphasised themes of service, humility, and spiritual commitment.

“Today, all my friends — I wish to say that it is my 90th birthday celebration and you have happily and with great excitement gathered here and with joy in your heart, very strong joy in your heart, you have gathered here,” he said in a brief address. “I would like to thank you all.”

The Dalai Lama noted that his life had been guided by a deep sense of connection with all sentient beings. “As far as I am concerned, I have a human life. And as humans, it is quite natural for us to have love for each other and help one another,” he said. “Particularly, since we come from a country where Buddhism, religion, spirituality has spread, there’s a strong sense of brotherhood among us.”

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Known for his advocacy of Bodhichitta, the Dalai Lama said the practice had shaped both his life and his reputation. “The more number of people gather and the more joy expressed from their heart, I also feel inspired. Because I practice Bodhichitta, the spirit of enlightenment,” he said. “Instead of focussing on selfish goals to get people’s admiration, my focus had been on serving others, holding others dearer than myself. It has really helped me to gather people around me and get their admiration. So, Bodhichitta is very powerful.” (The Dalai Lama practices and strongly advocates for Bodhichitta, which is the mind of enlightenment and the aspiration to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. He emphasizes that Bodhichitta is the essence of all Buddhist teachings and a key to personal and collective well-being).

Visitors outside the Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj on Saturday. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh) Visitors outside the Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj on Saturday. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Reflecting on his life, the Dalai Lama said he had no regrets. “I would not have to regret my death. I would rather die very peacefully,” he said. “I am now 90… When I reflect on my life in retrospect, I see that I have not wasted my life at all. But, as having the title of Dalai Lama, I have no pride or arrogance.”

“As a follower of Buddha, as a Bhikshu, monk, my main practices had been to serve people, the public and to serve the teachings of the Buddha,” he continued. “I live my life in the service of other sentient beings. With this motivation for the welfare of others, the more I do this, the greater positive response I get from others.”

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In closing his remarks, the Dalai Lama acknowledged the spirit in which attendees had gathered. “They have not come out of obligation, but out of a deep sense of reverence and respect to me and joy, so I would like to thank you all.”

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The birthday celebration drew dignitaries from around the world. Penpa Tsering, Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration, welcomed guests, including Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, diplomats from the US Department of State and US Embassy, as well as representatives from Italy, the Czech Republic, Germany, and others. He also acknowledged a delegation of “Chinese friends from USA”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered greetings on social media, writing, “I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths.”

Three former US presidents — Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George Bush — sent birthday greetings. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also issued a statement, saying, “The United States extends best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace and compassion.”

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama ahead of his 90th birthday, at Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh) Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama ahead of his 90th birthday, at Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Rubio reaffirmed US support for Tibetan rights, stating, “We support efforts to preserve Tibetans’ distinct, linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.”

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Actor and longtime Tibet advocate Richard Gere also spoke at the celebration. “What a joyous day this is,” Gere said. Describing the Dalai Lama as “one of the most extraordinary persons who have walked on this planet ever,” he added, “My own life has been a typical western life… We have never seen anything such like this — complete love, compassion and wisdom.”

Gere, chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, said that although he had grown up Christian, it was through the Dalai Lama that he came to understand the full depth of compassion and wisdom. “HH does not belong to the Tibetans only anymore, he belongs to the world. He belongs to the universe,” he said.