09-07-2025
Event celebrates Dalai Lama's 90th
Tibetan monks Lobsang Dhoyoe (left) and Lobsang Gyatso create a sand mandala celebrating a compassionate life. PHOTO: SAM HENDERSON
A global peace icon has been honoured during five days of events.
The Dhargyey Buddhist Centre recently marked the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with a range of displays and activities at the Dunedin Community Gallery.
Committee member Brent Caldwell said it was all about celebrating the life and works of His Holiness.
A circle of four video displays presented information on the Dalai Lama's four principal commitments — human values, religious harmony, Tibetan culture and the revival of ancient Indian wisdom.
A space for meditation and quiet reflection was created in one corner, including an altar displaying the Buddhist offering of seven water bowls — for drinking, washing, flowers, incense, light, perfume and food.
A "kindness tree" invited visitors to record an act of goodwill or a birthday message on a card shaped like a bodhi (sacred fig tree) leaf and hang it on the branches.
The space showcased Tibetan cultural artefacts and costumes as well as information about the Buddhist centre.
One screen featured information on the Portobello Stupa, while another outlined ongoing fundraising efforts to repair the basement of the centre's Royal Tce home, which suffers from water seepage and soil contamination.
Talks covered subjects such as human values and religious harmony.
Throughout the five-day celebration, Tibetan monks Lobsang Dhoyoe and Lobsang Gyatso worked on creating an intricate multi-coloured sand mandala, ceremonially sweeping it away yesterday after completion.
The Dalai Lama's worldwide advocacy for peace was recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
