DHARAMSHALA, July 6: A heavy rain this morning did little to dispirit the thousands who gathered in the main courtyard of Tsuglag khang, the Dalai Lama temple, to observe the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.
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The massive celebrations came in the wake of the Dalai Lama’s announcement last week that put an end to the speculations about the discontinuation of the Dalai Lama institution. To irk China further, the Tibetan leader voiced his wish to live for another 30-40 years.
The birthday was attended by the representatives of various Tibetan Buddhist sects, school children, dancers and singers from different countries, and Buddhists from across the world.
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Political leaders from here and abroad also shared the stage with the Dalai Lama, throwing their support behind the Buddhist leader and admiring him for his continuing commitment to global peace and religious harmony.
Speaking at the ceremony, seated in front of a nine-tier cake, Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso said that it is the love of the people that motivates him to continue on the path of serving all sentient beings.
“So on my part, I reflect on Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara, the Bodhisattva way of life, considering all sentient beings as my relatives and friends, and I always think of serving all sentient beings to the best of my ability. On this birthday celebration, you have come here with great joy. So thank you,” he said.
“The more people, the more joy expressed from their hearts. I also feel inspired because I practise Bodhichitta. Instead of focusing on selfish goals to get people’s admiration, my focus on serving others and holding others dearer than myself helps me gather people around and to have their admiration,” the Nobel laureate said to a ground full of admirers lined up wall to wall.
The celebrations started with a song for the Dalai Lama performed by Switzerland-based Tibetan singer Jamyan Choeden. It was followed by a dance performance by a group of Mongolian and Albanian artists.
As part of the celebrations, over 1,000 cultural groups will perform over the next three days across different venues in the town.
Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Sikkim Minister Sonam Lama, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere addressed the gathering after the performances.(PTI)
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