A day before the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations scheduled for Sunday, a two-day religious prayer ceremony for his long life got underway at the main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj, Tsuglhakhang, on Saturday.
“Looking at the many prophecies, I feel I have blessings of the Avalokiteshvara. I have done my best so far. I hope to still live for 30-40 years more. Your prayers have borne fruit so far. Though we have lost our country and we are living in exile in India, that’s where I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot. I intend to benefit and serve beings as much as I can,” said the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, as the ceremony began.
The prayer meet is being organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on behalf of the Tibetan people. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, veteran Hollywood actor and Tibet supporter Richard Gere, along with several other dignitaries, were present at the ceremony. Buddhist religious leaders of Tibetan origin representing various sects also offered prayers to the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama arrived at Tsuglhakhang on Saturday morning, assisted by two attendants owing to age-related difficulties. Nonetheless, he appeared upbeat and stopped many times to greet and bless the devotees.
While the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday falls on July 6, as per the Georgian Calendar, the festivities began on June 30 according to the Tibetan calendar. The occasion is being celebrated with cultural programmes as well.
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