
‘I still hope to live for over 130 years’: Day before 90th birthday, Dalai Lama addresses followers
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‘I still hope to live for over 130 years’: Day before 90th birthday, Dalai Lama addresses followers
The Tibetan spiritual leader turns 90 on Sunday. The long life prayers were offered to the Dalai Lama by his followers, and the Kashag (council of ministers), Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan government-in-exile), in a grand ceremony at Tsuglagkhang temple on Saturday morning. The Dalai Lama came from his private residence to the temple’s courtyard in a golf cart, waving at his followers. Hundreds of Buddhist monks, Tibetan Buddhism followers and tourists from across the globe thronged the temple, amid tight security, to catch a glimpse of the Buddhist spiritual leader. He will attend the public programme organised on behalf of all Tibetan people and address the gathering.
“I still hope to live for over 130 years.. We have lost our country and we live in exile in India, but I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot. So, living here in Dharamshala, I intend to serve beings and the dharma as much as I can,” the Dalai Lama said during the long life prayer ceremony, referring to the teachings of Buddha.
On July 2, the Dalai Lama had announced that the “institution of the Dalai Lama will continue”, and his Ganden Phodrang Trust in the office of the Dalai Lama will be “solely responsible” for finding his reincarnation.
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The long life prayers were offered to the Dalai Lama by his followers, and the Kashag (council of ministers), Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan government-in-exile), in a grand ceremony at Tsuglagkhang temple on Saturday morning.
Saturday’s ceremony is considered a prelude to the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and the introduction of a year-long ‘Year of Compassion’ celebration, highlighting Tibetans’ cultural and traditional legacy.
Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Hollywood actor and Chair of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) Richard Gere, several Indian as well as US government diplomats, senior Lamas, heads of all four Tibetan Buddhism schools and many others were among the dignitaries who attended the long life prayer ceremony.
Devotees at Dalia Lama Temple during prayer for long live of Dalai Lama a day before the celebration of 90th Birth day of Dalai Lama on Saturday. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh) Devotees at Dalia Lama Temple during prayer for long live of Dalai Lama a day before the celebration of 90th Birth day of Dalai Lama on Saturday. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The Dalai Lama came from his private residence to the temple’s courtyard in a golf cart, waving at his followers. Hundreds of Buddhist monks, Tibetan Buddhism followers and tourists from across the globe thronged the Tsuglagkhang temple, amid tight security, to catch a glimpse of the Buddhist spiritual leader.
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The entire complex was adorned with marigold garlands and vibrant Buddhist flags. The long life prayers were a moving blend of traditional rituals, devotion, and global solidarity culminating in the Dalai Lama’s hopeful affirmation for a long life ahead, as his community prepares for his birthday celebrations.
On June 30, the Dalai Lama had attended the public programme in honour of his 90th birthday according to the Tibetan lunar calendar (5th Tibetan day of the 5th Tibetan month) along with a long life offering ceremony organised by people of the Dhomey province.
On Sunday, the Dalai Lama will attend the public programme organised by the Kashag, on behalf of all Tibetan people and address the gathering.