Latest news with #Avalokiteshvara
India Gazette
08-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Tibetans and Koreans celebrate His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's 90th birthday with a long-life prayer ceremony
Busan [South Korea], July 8 (ANI): The Tibetan and Korean Buddhist communities in Busan came together to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with a Long Life Prayer Ceremony held at Gwaneumsa Temple on July 6, according to local Tibetan organizers. The event, known in Korean as Jangsu Kido Beobhoe, began at 9:30 AM and was marked by traditional Tibetan and Korean Buddhist rituals. A large portrait of His Holiness was placed before the temple's main altar, which features the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara (Gwaneum Bosal), symbolising compassion--a virtue strongly associated with the Dalai Lama. The spiritual ceremony included mandala offerings, long-life prayers, and collective chanting of Guru Yoga by both Tibetan and Korean monks. Lay practitioners and attendees offered ceremonial white scarves, or khatags, to the portrait of the Dalai Lama, expressing their respect and prayers for his continued guidance. Leaders from the Korean Buddhist sangha delivered remarks highlighting the Dalai Lama's contributions to global peace and harmony. The atmosphere was both reverent and celebratory, with emotional moments during shared prayers and the symbolic uniting of Tibetan and Korean traditions. Following the ceremony, participants shared a vegetarian meal and enjoyed a three-tiered birthday cake inscribed with 'Happy Birthday to Your Holiness the Dalai Lama.' Group photos and warm conversations followed, strengthening bonds between the two communities. The term 'Dalai Lama' means 'Ocean of Wisdom' in Mongolian. In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are revered as incarnations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the 14th Dalai Lama assumed full political authority but fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising. Since then, His Holiness has lived in exile in Dharamshala, India, promoting peace, compassion, and Tibetan cultural preservation. Celebrations of his 90th birthday took place not only in South Korea but across Tibetan communities worldwide. The diaspora expressed hope that the Dalai Lama's spiritual legacy will endure through a future recognised reincarnation. (ANI)
Hans India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Dalai Lama scotches successor rumours
Dharamshala: The Dalai Lama on Saturday put to rest rumours surrounding the announcement of his successor, saying he hopes to live for another 30-40 years more to serve people. Speaking at the long-life prayer ceremony ahead of his 90th birth anniversary on Sunday at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj, Tenzin Gyatso said that he has "clear signs and indications" that the blessings of the Avalokiteshvara are with him. "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," the Tibetan spiritual leader said. He added that ever since he was a child, he had the feeling that he had a strong connection with Avalokiteshvara. "And I have been able to serve the Buddha dharma and the beings of Tibet so far quite well. And still I hope to live over 130 years," he said. The Tibetan government-in-exile has organised a weeklong series of events to celebrate the birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama here. As part of the celebrations, a long life prayer ceremony was held at the main temple that was attended by over 15,000 people. The temple was thronged by devotees, representatives of different sects of Tibetan Buddhism, senior lamas of various monasteries, according to Tenzin Lekshay, the spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration. The Dalai Lama said that though the Tibetans have lost their country and are living in exile in India, he has been able to "benefit beings quite a lot." "Those living here in Dharamshala. I intend to benefit and serve beings as much as I can," he said. On the occasion, the Dalai Lama also recalled meeting Chinese leader Mao Zedong, who famously said: "Religion is poison." "...but I didn't respond to him, so he actually cast a very evil gaze, but I didn't respond. And I felt compassion. Then later I met Nehru. Throughout my life, I have met people who have an interest in religion and those who don't have an interest in religion," the spiritual leader said. He noted that Buddhist scriptures talk about people having different mental dispositions and inclinations, but despite that, everyone strives for happiness. "Even those who have no religion or belief, they also strive to have happiness and avoid suffering. So all beings on this earth, even Tibetans, we don't want suffering, we want happiness. All of us are the same in that sense. So accordingly, we need to engage in the methods to bring about happiness for them and alleviate their sufferings," he said. The rumours of an announcement of the Dalai Lama's successor have been making rounds since days ahead of his 90th birth anniversary, which have since been refuted in light of increased tension with China on the matter. Penpa Tsering, the president of the Central Tibetan Administration, rejected such rumours by saying, "It doesn't happen like that." "Some are talking as if his holiness is going to die tomorrow or the day after or next year or something. He says he's going to live for another 20 years. So we have to understand the tradition. I think a lot of people came expecting this. His holiness might appoint somebody, or he might say that I'm going to be born in this place at that time. It doesn't happen like that," Tsering said. The birth anniversary celebrations on Sunday will be attended by cabinet ministers Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere will attend the ceremony.
Qatar Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
On eve of 90th birthday, spiritual leader Dalai Lama says he hopes to live another 40 years
The Dalai Lama has said that he hopes to live for another 40 years until he is 130 years old, on the eve of his 90th birthday, days after he sought to assuage rife speculation over his succession by saying he would reincarnate upon his death. The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader was speaking on Saturday during a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday. Leading thousands in the prayers as the sound of chanting, drums and horns rang out, he said: 'So far, I have done my best and with the continued blessings of Avalokiteshvara [a Buddhist spiritual protector], I hope to live another 30 or 40 years, continuing to serve sentient beings and the Buddha Dharma', he said, referring to the teachings of the Buddha. The Dalai Lama previously told the Reuters news agency in December that he might live to 110. The Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will have a successor chosen in accordance with 'past tradition', ending years of speculation about the centuries-old office. In a video message on Wednesday, he said the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which he established to preserve the institution, will have the power to recognise his future reincarnation. Tibetan Buddhist leaders will search for his successor, he added, stressing that 'no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter'. The 14th Dalai Lama said he had received many messages in recent years from Buddhists calling for the office's continuation. (Agencies)
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Hope to live, serve Tibetan beings for 30-40 years more: Dalai Lama
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Saturday said that he hopes to live for another 30 to 40 years, until he is 130 years old, days after he said the Gaden Phodrang Trust will be 'solely responsible' for finding his reincarnation. He turns 90 on Sunday. 'I hope to still live for 30 or 40 more years. Your prayers have borne fruit so far…We have lost our country and we live in exile in India. But, I have been able to benefit the beings (of Tibet) quite a lot. So, living here in Dharamsala I intend to benefit, serve beings and the dharma as much as I can,' the Dalai Lama said. He was speaking at the prayer ceremony ahead of his 90th birth anniversary at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj. On July 2, the Dalai Lama had announced the 'institution of the Dalai Lama will continue', and his Ganden Phodrang Trust in the office of the Dalai Lama will be 'solely responsible' for finding his reincarnation. The Tibetan government-in-exile has organised a weeklong series of events to celebrate the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. The long life prayers were offered by his followers, the Kashag (council of ministers), Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan government-in-exile). The ceremony is considered a prelude to a year-long 'Year of Compassion' celebration, highlighting Tibetans' cultural and traditional legacy. Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, Hollywood actor and Chair of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) Richard Gere, several Indian as well as US government diplomats, senior Lamas, heads of all four Tibetan Buddhism schools were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony. Earlier, the Dalai Lama reached the temple's courtyard from his private residence in a golf cart. Hundreds of Buddhist monks, Tibetan Buddhism followers and tourists thronged the Tsuglagkhang temple to catch a glimpse of the spiritual leader. The Dalai Lama said that ever since he was a child, he had the feeling that he had a strong connection with Avalokiteshvara. 'Looking at the many prophecies, I feel I have blessings of the Avalokiteshvara… today, here we have Gods, and representatives of Gods, and humans gathering the auspicious circumstances for my long life…I have been able to serve the Buddha Dharma and beings of Tibet so far quite well and still I hope to live over 130 years', the Dalai Lama said. On the occasion, the Dalai Lama also recalled meeting Chinese leader Mao Zedong. On Sunday, the Dalai Lama will attend the public programme organised by the Kashag, on behalf of all Tibetan people and address the gathering.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dalai Lama says he hopes to live another 40 years on eve of 90th birthday
The Dalai Lama has said that he hopes to live for another 40 years until he is 130 years old, on the eve of his 90th birthday, days after he sought to assuage rife speculation over his succession by saying he would reincarnate upon his death. The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader was speaking on Saturday during a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday. Leading thousands in the prayers as the sound of chanting, drums and horns rang out, he said: 'So far, I have done my best and with the continued blessings of Avalokiteshvara [a Buddhist spiritual protector], I hope to live another 30 or 40 years, continuing to serve sentient beings and the Buddha Dharma', he said, referring to the teachings of the Buddha. The Dalai Lama previously told the Reuters news agency in December that he might live to 110. The Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will have a successor chosen in accordance with 'past tradition', ending years of speculation about the centuries-old office. In a video message on Wednesday, he said the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which he established to preserve the institution, will have the power to recognise his future reincarnation. Tibetan Buddhist leaders will search for his successor, he added, stressing that 'no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter'. The 14th Dalai Lama said he had received many messages in recent years from Buddhists calling for the office's continuation. 'In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,' he added. He made the comments on Wednesday during a three-day religious conference in Dharamshala, the northern Indian town where he has been based since 1959, when he fled Tibet for India after a failed uprising against China. Speaking to Al Jazeera, the Tibetan writer and activist Tenzin Tsundue described the Dalai Lama's announcement on Wednesday as a 'punch in the face' for China, which governs the Tibet Autonomous Region and which has claimed that it has the power to appoint his successor. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Dalai Lama, whom China brands a 'separatist', has previously warned Beijing not 'to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, let alone that of the Dalai Lama'. In response to his comments on Wednesday, China said the Dalai Lama's succession must be approved by the central government in Beijing and that it would be carried out 'by drawing lots from a golden urn', Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters. That urn is held by China, and the Dalai Lama has already warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks 'any spiritual quality'.
