The Dalai Lama turns 90 today, July 6, 2025. The Tibetan spiritual leader took to X on Saturday to post a message for the Tibetan community and his followers.
He said, “I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations.” However, he added that since his well-wishers, friends, including Tibetan communities are gathering for celebrations and organising events focused on his birthday, he would share his thoughts.
“While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone.” Through this, one can contribute to making the world a better place, he added.
Furthermore, as for himself, he wrote that he will continue to focus on his commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion.
He added that he develops determination and courage in his daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration he strives to uphold.
Quoting Shantideva, he wrote “As long as space endures,
As long as sentient being remain,
Until then, may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world.”
He signed off the message with ‘Tashi Deleg’, a Tibetan phrase which translates to "auspiciousness and prosperity," also offering his gratitude that his birthday was used as an opportunity to cultivate peace of mind and compassion.
Celebrations are taking place in McLeodganj on Sunday as the Tibetan community marks the Dalai Lama’s birth anniversary. According to PTI, the events include a religious conference, a youth forum, a film screening, and prayers for the Tibetan spiritual leader’s long life.
The commemorations are expected to draw several prominent attendees, including Union cabinet ministers Kiren Rijiju, who practises Buddhism, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and actor Richard Gere are also scheduled to participate, the report said.
