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India Gazette
07-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Not just a celebration, he is our identity": Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama on Dalai Lama
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 7 (ANI): Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama on Monday said the celebration of the Dalai Lama's birthday was not just a festive occasion but a profound expression of identity, unity, and compassion for the Tibetan community. 'As a Tibetan Buddhist, this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion,' Kunga Lama said. Lama added that special prayers were being offered for both the Dalai Lama's long life and for those suffering from natural calamities in Himachal Pradesh and other parts of the world. 'We are offering prayers here for the long life of the Dalai Lama and also for those who are suffering in the whole of Himachal due to flooding and also those suffering all around the world,' he said. Highlighting a deeply symbolic moment during the event, Lama spoke about the presence of a special young monk at the ceremony. 'The little boy monk here is not only an ordinary monk; he is the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, who will be the head of the Nyingma school in the future. He just offered prayers and cut the cake for the long life of the Dalai Lama,' he said. The Tibetan community-in-exile celebrated the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama with traditional fervour and devotion at the Sambhota Tibetan School in Chhota Shimla on Sunday. The event was marked by vibrant cultural performances, prayers, and speeches from dignitaries, including the Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mukesh Agnihotri, who was present as the chief guest. Amid the celebrations, the political backdrop surrounding the spiritual leader's reincarnation remained in focus, as the Chinese government reiterated its longstanding stance on the issue. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong stated that the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama is 'inherently an internal affair of China,' adding that 'no interference by any external forces will be allowed.' In a post on X, Xu wrote, 'It has been noted that some Indian officials recently made some remarks regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.' The envoy further highlighted that the government 'opposes any attempts by overseas organisations or individuals to interfere in or dictate the reincarnation process,' while also reasserting that Xizang is an 'inalienable part' of China's territory. 'Tibetan Buddhism traces its origins to China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The primary regions where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced are within China. The lineage of the Dalai Lamas took shape and evolved within China's Tibet region,' he wrote on X. The Chinese government's position was further clarified as Xu asserted that the 'conferment of their religious status and titles is the prerogative of the central government of China.' He also stated that the government upholds the principle of religious independence. 'The reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama is inherently an internal affair of China. The Chinese government upholds the principle of independence and self-governance in religious affairs and administers the reincarnation of Living Buddhas, including that of the Dalai Lama, in accordance with the law. No interference by any external forces will be allowed,' Xu wrote. The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday reiterated India's stance on uphelding the freedom of religion for all after Dalai Lama declared that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit institution he established, has the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. 'We have seen reports relating to the statement made by the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so,' MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Echoing the principle of religious autonomy, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju asserted that the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor should rest solely with the spiritual leader himself. His remarks reflect the belief of the Dalai Lama's followers worldwide. (ANI)
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations underway with politicians, celebrities in attendance
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 6 (ANI): At the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama held at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh and other dignitaries The dignitaries seated on the dais along with the Tibetan spiritual leader included Hollywood actor Richard Gere. Tibetan and Indian national played on the occasion. Monks, devotees, and international guests gathered for the celebration to honour the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, who is widely regarded as a global symbol of compassion, non-violence and interfaith harmony. Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati this morning to mark the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. The occasion was marked by solemn rituals, long-life prayers, and symbolic offerings led by a young boy monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The boy monk also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the celebrations, offering prayers for the spiritual leader's long life. Explaining the significance of the day, Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama expressed both joy and reverence. 'As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion,' Kunga Lama said. 'It is our responsibility to carry out what he says as Buddhists. As I already said, he is the identity of the Tibetan community. Another thing I would like to say is that he has always been a guide to the world with compassion and love. Most of us follow his way, what he preaches,' he said. 'We are offering prayers here for the long life of the Dalai Lama and also for those who are suffering in the whole of Himachal due to flooding, and also those suffering all around the world. We are trying to follow the Dalai Lama's path. Definitely, it's not only important for me; the Dalai Lama has to continue the lineage not just for me but for the whole world,' he said. 'The little boy monk here is not only an ordinary monk; he is the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, who will be the head of the Nyingma school in the future. He just offered prayers and cut the cake for the long life of the Dalai Lama. On one hand, it is a happy moment for us; on the other, I cannot fully express it, as he is growing old, but we depend on hope,' the Buddhist monk further said. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term 'Dalai Lama' is Mongolian, meaning 'Ocean of Wisdom'. In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future. (ANI)
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Hollywood star Richard Gere attends Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebration in Dharamshala
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 6 (ANI): 'Norman' fame actor Richard Gere attended the 90th birthday celebrations of the Tibetan spiritual leader, 14th Dalai Lama, at Dharamshala on Sunday. On this occasion, the Hollywood actor Richard Gere, who is also a practising Buddhist, met the 14th Dalai Lama and received blessings from the Tibetan spiritual leader. He kissed the Dalai Lama's hand in admiration and respect as he bowed down to the Tibetan spiritual leader. The actor was seen sitting behind the Dalai Lama. Gere was joined by other dignitaries for the birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama. The guests were entertained by a traditional dance by the Tibetan community and the followers of the Dalai Lama. The dance marked a joyous celebration of the 14th Dalai Lama's birthday. Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati on Sunday morning to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The occasion was marked by solemn rituals, long-life prayers, and symbolic offerings led by a young boy monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The boy monk also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the celebrations, offering prayers for the spiritual leader's long life. Speaking to ANI on the significance of the day, Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama expressed both joy and reverence. 'As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion,' Kunga Lama said. 'It is our responsibility to carry out what he says as Buddhists. As I already said, he is the identity of the Tibetan community. Another thing I would like to say is that he has always been a guide to the world with compassion and love. Most of us follow his way, what he preaches,' he added. He continued, 'We are offering prayers here for the long life of the Dalai Lama and also for those who are suffering in the whole of Himachal due to flooding, and also those suffering all around the world. We are trying to follow the Dalai Lama's path. Definitely, it's not only important for me; the Dalai Lama has to continue the lineage not just for me but for the whole world.' 'The little boy monk here is not only an ordinary monk; he is the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, who will be the head of the Nyingma school in the future. He just offered prayers and cut the cake for the long life of the Dalai Lama. On one hand, it is a happy moment for us; on the other, I cannot fully express it, as he is growing old, but we depend on hope,' The Buddhist monk added further. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term 'Dalai Lama' is Mongolian, meaning 'Ocean of Wisdom'. In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future. (ANI)
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Tibetan Buddhist monks-in-exile offer prayers to celebrate 90th birthday of Dalai Lama
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 6 (ANI): Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati on Sunday morning to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The occasion was marked by solemn rituals, long-life prayers, and symbolic offerings led by a young boy monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The boy monk also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the celebrations, offering prayers for the spiritual leader's long life. Speaking to ANI on the significance of the day, Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama expressed both joy and reverence. 'As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion,' Kunga Lama said. 'It is our responsibility to carry out what he says as Buddhists. As I already said, he is the identity of the Tibetan community. Another thing I would like to say is that he has always been a guide to the world with compassion and love. Most of us follow his way, what he preaches,' he added. He continued, 'We are offering prayers here for the long life of the Dalai Lama and also for those who are suffering in the whole of Himachal due to flooding, and also those suffering all around the world. We are trying to follow the Dalai Lama's path. Definitely, it's not only important for me; the Dalai Lama has to continue the lineage not just for me but for the whole world.' 'The little boy monk here is not only an ordinary monk; he is the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, who will be the head of the Nyingma school in the future. He just offered prayers and cut the cake for the long life of the Dalai Lama. On one hand, it is a happy moment for us; on the other, I cannot fully express it, as he is growing old, but we depend on hope,' The Buddhist monk added further. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term 'Dalai Lama' is Mongolian, meaning 'Ocean of Wisdom'. In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future. (ANI)
NDTV
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Norman Actor Richard Gere Attends Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday Celebrations In Dharamshala
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh): Norman fame actor Richard Gere attended the 90th birthday celebrations of the Tibetan spiritual leader, 14th Dalai Lama, at Dharamshala on Sunday. On this occasion, the Hollywood actor Richard Gere, who is also a practising Buddhist, met the 14th Dalai Lama and received blessings from the Tibetan spiritual leader. He kissed the Dalai Lama's hand in admiration and respect as he bowed down to the Tibetan spiritual leader. The actor was seen sitting behind the Dalai Lama. Gere was joined by other dignitaries for the birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama. The guests were entertained by a traditional dance by the Tibetan community and the followers of the Dalai Lama. The dance marked a joyous celebration of the 14th Dalai Lama's birthday. Meanwhile, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati on Sunday morning to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The occasion was marked by solemn rituals, long-life prayers, and symbolic offerings led by a young boy monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The boy monk also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the celebrations, offering prayers for the spiritual leader's long life. Speaking to ANI on the significance of the day, Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama expressed both joy and reverence. "As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion," Kunga Lama said. "It is our responsibility to carry out what he says as Buddhists. As I already said, he is the identity of the Tibetan community. Another thing I would like to say is that he has always been a guide to the world with compassion and love. Most of us follow his way, what he preaches," he added. He continued, "We are offering prayers here for the long life of the Dalai Lama and also for those who are suffering in the whole of Himachal due to flooding, and also those suffering all around the world. We are trying to follow the Dalai Lama's path. Definitely, it's not only important for me; the Dalai Lama has to continue the lineage not just for me but for the whole world." "The little boy monk here is not only an ordinary monk; he is the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, who will be the head of the Nyingma school in the future. He just offered prayers and cut the cake for the long life of the Dalai Lama. On one hand, it is a happy moment for us; on the other, I cannot fully express it, as he is growing old, but we depend on hope," The Buddhist monk added further. The Dalai Lama, born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, a small farming village in northeastern Tibet, was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and was given the name Tenzin Gyatso. The term "Dalai Lama" is Mongolian, meaning "Ocean of Wisdom". In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, an enlightened being who chooses to be reborn to serve all sentient beings. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950. He was forced to flee into exile in March 1959 following the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising. He has since lived in India, along with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees, continuing to advocate for peace, non-violence, and compassion. For over six decades, His Holiness has been a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, continuing to inspire millions worldwide. Celebrations were held across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad, with many also expressing hope that the Dalai Lama's lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future.
