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His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during celebrations honoring his 80th birthday at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, HP, India on June 21, 2015. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL via dalailama.com.
An inspiring number of celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday are taking place around the world.
On June 21 in Dharamsala, India, a huge long-life ceremony was offered to His Holiness. Dalailama.com wrote, “At 8 o’clock His Holiness was escorted from the gates of his residence up to the Tsuglagkhang [the main Tibetan temple], where he greeted the assembled guests and took his seat on the throne. Seated before on a line of thrones were the leaders of the Tibetan spiritual traditions: to the right, Sakya Daktri Rinpoche, Menri Khen Rinpoche, Gyalwang Karmapa, Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche, Taglung Shabdrung Rinpoche, and to the left Ganden Tri Rinpoche, Katok Getse Rinpoche and a representative of the Drukchen Rinpoche. Behind them sat abbots and retired abbots of the great monasteries.”
Drolkar McCallum, FPMT North America regional coordinator, waits with others to be part of the procession of offerings during the long life ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, India, June 21, 2015
The long-life offering was presented by the Central Tibetan Administration, the Domay Community and the Gelug International Foundation and presided over by Sakya Daktri Rinpoche. “During the ceremony the Tse-ring Che-nga and Nechung Oracles appeared separately in trance. They each paid their respects to His Holiness and gathered spiritual and political leaders together in front of him to say prayers,” Dalailama.com reported.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche attended the ceremony. FPMT North America regional coordinator Drolkar McCallum was also there and was part of the procession of offerings. Drolkar shared that she “had the honor of offering texts to His Holiness! What a thrill!”
Following the long-life ceremony in Dharamsala, there was the 1st Gelug International Conference, of which Lama Zopa Rinpoche attended the first day. Delegates to the meeting, which included many high lamas and other representatives of the Gelug tradition, discussed preserving the Gelug tradition in the future. His Holiness attended the final session of the conference.
Photos of the Gelug International Conference are on Dalailama.com. Radio Free Asia has a report on the conference in Tibetan and you can see video from the conference on Tibet Online TV.
Beginning of the Gelug international Conference in Dharamsala. Ganden Tri Rinpoche in the center, Ganden Jangtse Choje Rinpoche and Ganden Shartse Rinpoche to left, and Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay to the right, Dharamsala, India, June 2015. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
Tibetan prime minister Lobsang Sangay addressing the Gelug conference, Dharamsala, India, June 2015. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.
On June 28, His Holiness was in the UK and attended the Glastonbury Music Festival. His Holiness gave a talk to 8,500 and participated in a panel on climate change. He then went on the main stage with American singer Patti Smith and had a crowd of more than 120,000 sing him “Happy Birthday.” Geshe Tashi, the resident teacher at Jamyang Buddhist Centre in London, accompanied His Holiness on stage.
The International Campaign for Tibet is reporting that Tibetans in Tibet are also celebrating His Holiness’ birthday despite Chinese repression.
They report Tibetan man in Amdo saying: “In the summer, Tibetans often take picnics out to the grasslands, away from the urban areas where they are more easily observed by the authorities. So most of the celebrations of the birthday took place in these areas, with friends, family, the local community gathering with large photographs of His Holiness or thangkas of the Bodhisattva of compassion displayed on makeshift thrones with offerings of seasonal fruit, with songs and dances connected to the 80th birthday year.” For more, including photos, see ITC’s report.
ITC also reports that Germany has issued a commemorative postage stamp recognizing His Holiness’ 80th birthday.
Former U.S. President George W. Bush offered His Holiness a birthday cake during a luncheon, which was part of His Holiness’ visit to Texas, U.S., on July 1.
Many video tributes have been created for His Holiness’ birthday, including a short video by the Central Tibetan Administration and the Cambodian Children’s Fund.
Shambala Sun magazine is creating a commemorative issue for His Holiness’ 80th birthday. And there are many more activities and event schedule for this weekend and the following weeks and months of the next year.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with Patti Smith, waving to the crowd of over 120,000 at the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival in Glastonbury, Somerset, UK on June 28, 2015. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL via dalailama.com.
Next week, we’ll share stories on how FPMT centers, projects and services are celebrating His Holiness’ 80th birthday. We’ll also look back at the history of His Holiness and FPMT.
FPMT.org shares news of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like our news updates, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.