Celebrating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday at the National Circus, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, July 2015. Photo courtesy of FPMT Mongolia.

FPMT Mongolia and Gandan Do Ngag Shedrup Ling Center participated in a big 80th birthday celebration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama organized by all the Buddhist organizations in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. They write:

“It was a first time we had a big celebration like this and was initiated by Özer Rinpoche. The event was held at the National Circus. Gandan Do Ngag Shedrup Ling Center offered the publishing of the prayer books for the celebration. Many of our friends and students attended the event.”       

Kurukulla Center’s resident geshe, Geshe Tenley, releases a lobster during an animal liberation event for His Holiness’ birthday, Massachusetts, US, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Kurukulla Center.

Kurukulla Center in Massachusetts, US, had two birthday events. Geshe Ngawang Tenley, resident geshe at the center, sent this message about the first event, a lobster liberation: 

“Happy Birthday to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

“All dear brothers and sisters, [on Sunday] we performed a wonderful animal liberation in the Atlantic Ocean. We liberated 361 lobsters (over 500 pounds). Thank you for joining with us. This is a gift from all of us for His Holiness’ 80th birthday. To save the lives of sentient beings is the best practice for long life. We dedicate all our merits for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and all our teachers. All friends please REJOICE! Rejoicing is the best practice. Lama Tsongkhapa said the least effort, most merit is to rejoice in the merit of others.”

Kurukulla Center students and Geshe Tenley doing animal liberation practice before releasing the lobsters, Massachusetts, US, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Kurukulla Center.

Scott Buquor, from Kurukulla Center, shared this about the second event: 

“In the early morning of July 6, the Tibetan community of the Boston area gathered at Kurukulla Center in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. Sponsors arrived at 6 a.m. to prepare tea and sweet rice. About 200 members of the Tibetan community arrived soon after. Geshe Tenley led the procession to usher in the portrait of His Holiness to the gompa, and the community performed many prayers and offered khatas to His Holiness. After the puja, everyone gathered outside for sangsol (incense offering). Birthday cake was enjoyed by all, as well as traditional songs and dance. All of these offerings and prayers were dedicated to the long life of His Holiness. Many people stayed through the morning to relax, enjoy the friendly community, and do circumambulation around the Kalachakra stupa.”

Kurukulla Center celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday, Massachusetts, US, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Kurukulla Center.

Judy Wagner, spiritual program coordinator at Buddha House in Australia, wrote:

“On the evening of July 6 Buddha House had a wonderful celebration to honor the 80th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Students practicing at Buddha House, Australia, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Buddha House.

“Our resident teacher Ven. Thubten Dondrub led us in the sadhana ‘The Inseparability of the Spiritual Master and Avalokiteshavara.’ This beautiful sadhana was actually written by His Holiness.

“Over 30 people attended and we were also pleased to have Jampa Choephel join us. There were some new students, some older students, and even a couple who had no Buddhist experience that had attended the Learn to Meditate session earlier and felt such a wonderful atmosphere in the gompa that they asked to stay and join the celebration.

“After the sadhana and long life prayers for His Holiness, Ven. Dondrub and Jampa Choephel blessed the food and we all continued to celebrate over supper.

“Donations were collected for the FPMT Nepal Earthquake Support Fund.”

Hanging prayer flags with Geshe Lamsang at Centro Nagarjuna Valencia, Spain, July 2015. Photo courtesy of Centro Nagarjuna Valencia.

Centro Nagarjuna Valencia in Spain shared this: 

“To celebrate His Holiness’ 80th birthday we got up early and hung up many prayer flags. Geshe Lamsang, our resident geshe, did an incense puja, offering clouds of billowing aromatic white smoke. In the afternoon, we offered an auspicious sweet rice dish and tea, and watched together some videos of His Holiness, including the celebrations at the Glastonbury music festival in the UK. This was followed by Lama Chöpa puja with tsog offering, sandwiches and a birthday cake. To finish off a very enjoyable day, there was a present for everyone and Geshe-la gave out a special protection amulet from Ganden Monastery. Geshe-la spoke of the incomparable kindness of His Holiness and we made extensive prayers and dedications for his long life.”

Students at Centro Nagarjuna Valencia, Spain, July 2015. Photo courtesy of the Centro Nagarjuna Valencia.

Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds shared this report of their celebration:

“Jamyang Leeds hosted a party to celebrate the 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The day started with a Medicine Buddha puja and long life prayers. The center looked resplendent with offerings of flowers and food; it’s a wonder the tables could stand the weight! Next to the shrine was a lovely, large, smiling picture of the Dalai Lama draped with a white khata. We took time to reflect on everything he does to benefit all beings and to rejoice in his efforts! Shared lunch was a social event with masses of Tibetan food kindly supplied by Leeds-based Tibetans. We watched a series of videos of His Holiness, learned how to put on a Tibetan chuba, tried some Tibetan dancing and had a rousing chorus of ‘Happy Birthday to You’ and ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.’ Who knew we were such a melodious and enthusiastic bunch! Some people had traveled quite a distance to join in the celebrations so were sent home with food packages and leftover momos were still in the fridge for Geshe Tashi’s teachings the next day. Do have a look at the video  our Facebook page to feel part of the day.”

Continuing this week, we’ll have more stories on celebrating His Holiness’ birthday and FPMT’s long-time commitment to supporting the realization of His Holiness’ wishes. You can also find more photos and stories on FPMT’s Facebook page.

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