90 Years Young, 90 Suns Bright: Dalai Lama’s McLeodganj Milestone Kicks Off with Blessings

Commemorations of the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama started on Monday at Tsuglhakhang, the main temple of McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh, with thousands of pilgrims and international dignitaries. The Dalai Lama's birthday is on July 6, but the celebration started earlier since the Tibetan lunar calendar marks his birth on the fifth day of the fifth month.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Grand Inauguration: The inaugural ceremony, hosted by the Domey (Amdo) people of the Dalai Lama's birthplace, featured traditional Tibetan dance, music, and exclusive prayers for his long life.

 

Overwhelming Turnout: Some 7,000 people filled the temple, courtyard, and surrounding facilities, showing the Dalai Lama's continued global reach.

 

Awards and Honors: The Dalai Lama was conferred with the title of the "Peerless Teacher of the 21st Century." New biographies and books about him were released to celebrate his life and teachings.

 

Spiritual Message: During his speech, the Dalai Lama was grateful for a lifetime spent committed to the cause of serving the well-being of Tibetans and humanity, reaffirming his commitment to continue serving others.

 

Succession Talks: The seven-day celebrations may include talks about the Dalai Lama's successor, a matter of international interest with rising tensions between the Dalai Lama and China.

 

Prospects:

 

The celebrations, which will take place throughout the week, emphasize the Dalai Lama's profound spiritual and cultural heritage and Tibetans' and sympathizers' worldwide aspirations for his continued leadership and preservation of Tibetan identity.

 

Source: The Tribune