Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama celebrated his 88th birthday today. The spiritual leader marked the day with a message on peace and humanity and expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his friends.
“For my part, I pray to be able to bring peace to the world by spreading an understanding of the oneness of humanity,” the Dalai Lama said in a statement. “Although I am just one human being, in the short term, I aspire to contribute to world peace in thought, word, and deed,” he added.
“I rejoice that all our different religious traditions make prayers for the benefit of all. On the occasion of my birthday, if you, my friends, can guard your minds and lead good-natured lives you will be joyful at heart and as a result will be able, directly and indirectly, to help everyone around you,” the spiritual leader said.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended birthday celebrations at the Main Tibetan Temple courtyard in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first ones to wish the Dalai Lama on this special day. He conveyed heartfelt greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader and prayed for his long and healthy life.
Tens of thousands of Tibetan exiles, believers, and followers attended celebrations worldwide to mark the birthday of the leading spiritual figure who brings Buddhist teachings to the international community.
On the occasion of his birthday, the Dalai Lama said that he had dedicated his very life to helping limitless sentient. “From my side, I dedicate this very life that I have now to helping limitless sentient beings to the best of my ability. “I am determined to bring others as much benefit as I can,” His Holiness said in a message to people around the world. He also urged people to adopt a courageous resolve such as “I, your friend, have done. My spiritual friends, please give support to my thoughts. What you have done so far was right — it was the right thing to do.”
Followers from across the world, including world leaders, greeted the Dalai Lama on this occasion.
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born July 6, 1935, to a peasant family in Taktser village in the Amdo region of Tibet. Ever since he left Tibet in 1959, the Tibetan spiritual leader has traveled to more than 50 countries and met their political and spiritual leaders.
He has been bestowed with over 150 major awards, prizes, and honorary doctorates, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, United Nations Earth Prize in 1991, US Congressional Gold Medal in 2007, and the Templeton Award in 2012.
(With inputs from agencies)
