Dear Brothers and Sisters, Thank you for your warm greetings on my 90th birthday. I very much appreciate your kind gesture. The 90th birthday is conventionally considered an important milestone in one’s life. I have dedicated myself to spreading the message of compassion and kindness, which I believe is the basis for peace and happiness in this world, and will continue doing so. As I often tell my friends and well-wishers, I would request you to join me in this effort, to be warm-hearted an...| The 14th Dalai Lama
Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - the Central Tibetan Administration organized a grand celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, which falls on 6th July according to the Western calendar, and the launch of the Year of Compassion. His Holiness stopped in the gateway to his residence to watch and listen to groups of singers and dancers performing exuberantly to congratulate him on his birthday. Some played Tibetan instruments, others player drums and bagpipes. As th...| The 14th Dalai Lama
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. 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 s...| The 14th Dalai Lama
Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - This morning, the Kashag, the cabinet of the Central Tibetan Administration, offered prayers for his long life to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on behalf of the Tibetan people. As he reached the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, His Holiness was greeted by several of the guests—Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), Ladakh, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Af...| The 14th Dalai Lama
Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - This morning the penultimate session, the eighth, of the 15th Tibetan Religious Leaders Meeting took place in the assembly hall at His Holiness’s residence. Seated at the front to the right of His Holiness were Sakya Trizin, Menri Trichen Rinpoché, Drikung Chetsang Rinpoché, Taklung Matrul Rinpoché representing Taklung Shapdrung. To his left sat Gaden Tri Rinpoché, Minling Khenchen (representing Minling Trichen), Khenpo Ngedo (representing Gyal...| The 14th Dalai Lama
(Translated from the original Tibetan) On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I stated, “As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future.” I...| The 14th Dalai Lama