While the 14th Dalai Lama was celebrating his 90th birthday on Sunday, July 6, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans issued a touching message to his believers. A day earlier, he went on X and asked people to cultivate kindness and compassion. He noted that he does not tend to celebrate birthdays, but accepted the global celebrations being done in his honour.
He laid stress on the values of peace of mind, selflessness, and religious coexistence. His appeal resonated with his lifelong spiritual work. At the same time, Tibetan communities, particularly in McLeodganj, commemorated with prayers, film showings, and youth forums.
‘I am just a simple Buddhist monk’
In his birthday greeting, Dalai Lama expressed appreciation to well-wishers and friends who were staging events. He liked that many were taking the opportunity to share compassion and warm-heartedness. “I am just a simple Buddhist monk, I don’t usually celebrate birthdays,” he said. “However, since you are staging events around my birthday, I wish to share some thoughts.”
He extended his appreciation to Tibetan communities and other parts of the world that organized peaceful and reflective activities. His remarks came as festivities were held worldwide, particularly among Tibetan exile communities.
Emphasis on Peace of Mind & Benevolence
Dalai Lama emphasized that individuals need to harmonize material progress with spiritual development. He encouraged followers to aim at attaining peace of mind by being compassionate and having a good heart. He reminded them that by doing this, they can make the world a better place—not only for dear ones but for all.
He added, “Although it’s necessary to work for material progress, it is crucial to work towards attaining peace of mind through the development of a good heart.”
Ongoing Adherence to Values & Harmony
Dalai Lama also reaffirmed his fundamental commitments. He vowed to keep spreading human values, inter-religious harmony, and time-tested Indian wisdom that is mind and emotion-oriented. He is grateful to Tibetan culture for its intense contribution to peace and compassion.
Inspired by Indian master Shantideva, he quoted, “As long as space exists, so long as living beings exist, until then, may I myself abide, to end the suffering of the world.”
Festivals in McLeodganj
In McLeodganj, where the Tibetan government-in-exile has its seat, festivities involved a religious conference, a youth forum, cinema shows, and special prayers. People came together not only to pay their respects to their leader but to discuss the values he advocates.
With his words and presence, the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday was more than a celebration—it became a clarion call to act with compassion and spiritual courage.