Full of smiles, His Holiness greeted the estimated 25,000 strong crowd from the edge of the platform. Next, he lit a butter lamp to mark the auspicious opening of the day’s celebrations. Representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha were presented to His Holiness by Chering Dorjay Lakrook, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Penpa Tsering, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, and Thiksé Rinpoché.

A birthday cake in a form like a ritual cake was presented to His Holiness. He took a pinch and ate it in lieu of ‘cutting the cake’.

Cering Dorjay addressed the gathering: “I prostrate to the Buddha Gautama who, moved by compassion, gave us the teachings to rid us of all wrong views. I greet His Holiness, whose name is Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshé Tenzin Gyatso, members of the Sangha, the Guests of Honour, the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commissioner, Yeshi Wangmo, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Dolma Tsering, and Penpa Tsering, President of the CTA.

“Today, everyone in the audience has gathered to celebrate His Holiness’s 91st birthday. On this occasion, on behalf of the LBA, and Tibetans living in Ladakh, I greet His Holiness the Dalai Lama and wish him a ‘Happy Birthday’. It is our good fortune to have him here among us. I pray that he lives a long and healthy life and that all his wishes may be fulfilled.”

His Holiness was then invited by Tenzin Topdhen, Director of the Tibet Museum, to tap an iPad to launch a series of animated films about him inspired by a graphic biography created by Tibet House, New York entitled ‘Man of Peace: The Life and Legacy of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering read a statement from the Kashag, the CTA Cabinet:

“On the auspicious 91st birthday of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, the Kashag, on behalf of Tibetans inside and outside Tibet offer him our deepest prostrations. We extend warm greetings to the distinguished guests, members of the monastic community and people around the world who are celebrating this great occasion with joy and devotion.

“Last year, the Kashag officially announced the worldwide celebration of the Year of Compassion. This was an expression of gratitude to His Holiness for his immeasurable kindness and sought to promote global awareness of his four principal commitments. The first is to promote basic human values; the second is to foster greater harmony among our religious traditions; the third is to contribute to the preservation of Tibet's unique language and culture, as well as the protection of the natural environment of the Land of Snow — and the fourth is to encourage a revival of awareness and understanding of ancient Indian knowledge.

“These commitments represent an extraordinary vision for fostering lasting peace, harmony and well-being for all sentient beings and the world. The CTA has undertaken an extensive program to make these commitments better known. At the same time, religious, humanitarian and community service activities such as raising prayer flags, the rescue of animals destined for slaughter, recitations of the Kangyur, and recitation of mantras have been done. In addition, there have been many acts of public service and compassion such as donation of food, clothing and bedding to the elderly and people with disabilities.

“Throughout the Himalayan region numerous groups and organizations have carried out tree-planting initiatives, environmental clean-up campaigns and other programs in observance of the Year of Compassion. It is also heartening to note that several cities around the world, but especially in the USA, have officially proclaimed His Holiness’s birthday as a Day of Compassion. This is a powerful affirmation of the universal relevance and enduring appeal of his message about compassion, non-violence, interfaith harmony and human values.”

Next, the LBA honoured the Education Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ms Bhanu Prabha, for her work to transform schools in Ladakh. His Holiness presented her with a framed certificate and gave a statue of the Buddha.

There followed a set of songs to celebrate His Holiness and his birthday by Dorjay Stakmo and his group. The lyrics described His Holiness as, “The deity with a white lotus in his hand, you, who gaze upon all sentient beings with compassion, our protector Padmapani. You are like the sun, our Lama, champion of peace, we bow down to you. Your knowledge and compassion are vast as space and deep as the ocean.”

His Holiness was then invited to address the gathering.

“Today, here in Ladakh, people have unwavering faith, devotion and strong spiritual bonds. Many people from around the world have also gathered here. You have been praying that I will live long, and from my side I pray,

Wherever the Buddha's teaching has not spread,
And wherever it has spread but has declined,
May I, moved by great compassion, clearly elucidate,
This treasury of excellent benefit and happiness for all.

“There are people in the world who have no spiritual belief. When I went to China in 1954-55, Mao Zedong told me that religion was like opium. However, practice of the Dharma is not just about propitiating deities and saying prayers. It’s actually about transforming your mind and turning your mind towards the practice of virtue. The significance of the practice of Dharma is to have a calm mind, to train the mind.

“On my part, as soon as I wake in the morning I say this prayer (mentioned above) as Jé Tsongkhapa has written among the dedication verses at the end of his ‘Great Stages of the Path to Enlightenment’. ‘Where the Dharma has not spread, or where it has spread but declined, may I be the one who revives and spreads it out of compassion.’

“We Tibetans of all three provinces — U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo — are devout followers of the Buddhadharma. This teaching of the Buddha has become part of our cultural tradition, so we have learned to discipline our minds and create peace within.

“During my travels I’ve seen that the Buddhadharma has great influence on Chinese people. We Tibetans have become exiles staying in settlements in different parts of India and our Indian neighbours and people from elsewhere, have come to appreciate Tibetans. Please join me in making this prayer, ‘May I, moved by compassion, illuminate the teaching of the Buddha, reviving it where it once spread but declined, and so forth.’

“Everyone prays for peace in the world. I do too through the practice of bodhichitta, the awakening mind, I also make prayers to benefit the teaching and beings as soon as I wake up. I say the above prayer every day and I feel it is being fulfilled. Among Chinese people Buddhism is being revived and is spreading widely. And in many other parts of the world people are taking interest in the teaching of love and compassion. Warm-heartedness, the intention to benefit others, is something that people everywhere admire.

“As soon as I wake up, I reflect on bodhichitta, the altruistic awakening mind, as well as the insight into emptiness. Wherever I go, I have a warm heart and I encourage others to cultivate it too. I try to spread warm-heartedness among other people. ‘May I, moved by compassion, illuminate this treasure linked to happiness, well-being and benefit.

“So, this is my 91st birthday, I’ve reached the age of 91. When I look back on my life, this altruistic thought to help others has been at the core of my practice. This is what I think about the moment I wake up every day. People everywhere seem to admire me because of this sense of warm-heartedness, the thought to benefit others, that I cherish within.

“I’m 91, but according to indications in my dreams it seems I may yet live to be 130. So, I hope to be able to help Chinese people through the teaching of the Buddha and also to help people around the world to lead good, positive lives. This is what I aspire to do — thank you.”

The Ladakhi interpreter translated what His Holiness had said into Ladakhi. Following that, Speaker of the Tibetan-Parliament-in-Exile, Dolma Tsering read out the Parliament’s statement.

“On behalf of Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, the Tibetan-Parliament-in-Exile wishes to express immense joy, devotion and delight in offering heartfelt greetings to His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama who is the very embodiment of compassion, the noble protector of the world and friend of all beings. For the Tibetan people there is no refuge, protector or defender but Your Holiness. You are our hope, protector and patron. Out of gratitude we offer these words of prayer:

“In the entire field of noble works of all the Victors, you alone,
Have shouldered responsibility encompassing the entire teaching of the Buddha,
You have attained authority in upholding, preserving and spreading it without discrimination,
We pray to you, the very embodiment of Manjushri.

“Out of gratitude we should unite as one in working for cause of the Tibetan people.

“In the Land of Snows shrouded in the darkness of misery
The magnificent glow of your compassion
Stands relentless in dispensing feelings of succour and well-being.
May you remain unwavering and steadfast until the end of time.”

Students from the SOS TCV School sang and danced in celebration of His Holiness’s birthday. Ashraf Ali Barch offered felicitations on behalf of the Muslim communities in Leh and Kargil. The Ladakh Theatre Organization under the direction of Mipham Otsal performed a short play based on the story of Angulimala, a violent brigand intent on collecting and making a rosary of a thousand human fingers. Encountering the Buddha, he was subdued by the Dharma, coming to understand that violence does not meet with success and that compassion is a sign of strength not weakness.

His Holiness visibly enjoyed a song and dance by All Groups of Ladakh and the following performance by residents of the Tibetan settlement of Sonam Ling. He was also amused to watch the auspicious presentation of people from Chushot village on the far side of the River Indus.

In his words of thanks, the Vice-President of the LGA, Geshé Lobsang Yashi prayed that His Holiness would live long. He acknowledged the Rinpochés, members of the Sangha, the Sikyong and Indian Government officials. He expressed gratitude to His Holiness for his presiding over today’s celebrations. He thanked him for his presence, saying, “Hearing your voice we are filled with joy. As the Buddha predicted, you are Avalokiteshvara. The Land of Snows is your abode. I request you, Your Holiness, to come to Ladakh time and again.”

He thanked those who had given speeches as well as those who had put on entertaining performances. He thanked everyone who had contributed to making the occasion a success and ended with the following prayer.

I pray to you, O Supreme Noble Lotus Holder (Padmapani):
You are the adamantine Gentle Glory who has Mastery of Speech,
Your vase of Sublime Insight is replete with the nectar of Exalted Wisdom,
And you are embellishing jewellery (beautifully adorning)
the Vast playful Ocean of Upholders of Dharma!

His Holiness then left for his residence, smiling all the way, although celebrations went on after he’d gone, while the traditional song ‘Happy Birthday to you...’ was sung merrily with words in Tibetan.

At our core, we are all the same human beings. We all seek happiness and wish to be spared such suffering. It is in this spirit of our shared humanity that we each bear a responsibility to help and support one another. I am therefore greatly encouraged that hundreds of international rescue workers have already arrived in Venezuela to stand alongside its people to help in this hour of profound grief.

I would also wish to say how deeply moved I remain by the openness and enthusiasm shown by people from all walks of life in Venezuela — during my four-day visit in 1992 — toward the values I have been promoting: loving-kindness, compassion, contentment, self-discipline, and harmony among the world's religious traditions. That same warmth of spirit, I have no doubt, will carry the Venezuelan people through this most difficult time.

With my prayers,

Dalai Lama

27 June 2026

“Throughout his treatment, His Holiness’s personal medical team and the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama remained in close coordination with the administrative and medical staff at Apollo Hospitals. His Holiness is stable and expected to make full recovery. He was discharged on Friday morning, 12 June.

“It has been a great honour for the hospital and the medical team to serve His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We are grateful for the trust and confidence placed in us and privileged to have been able to contribute to His Holiness’s care.”

Dr. Rajesh Malhotra
Senior Consultant
Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals
New Delhi

“Karnataka is home to more than 30,000 Tibetans in exile,” His Holiness wrote, “the largest concentration of the Tibetan diaspora in India. We are deeply grateful to the State and its people for their enduring friendship and generous support. It is a source of great pride that our principal centres of learning, rooted in the Nalanda tradition of ancient Indian wisdom, have found their home in Karnataka.

“I take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt appreciation to the state government and people of Karnataka for the warmth and hospitality they have extended to the Tibetan community settled there.

“I wish you every success in meeting the challenges that may lie ahead, and in honouring the hopes and aspirations of the people of Karnataka, particularly in making a real difference to the lives of its most vulnerable citizens.”

His Holiness ended by offering his prayers and good wishes.

June 4, 2026

His Holiness walked from the gate to his residence through the temple courtyard and took his seat on the veranda below the temple.

First of all, a group of Tibetan students led the singing of the Tibetan and Indian national anthems. Four monks from Namgyal Monastery then chanted prayers invoking the blessings of the Three Jewels, the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Tea and rice were served while a Tashi Shölpa dance was performed.

Students from the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) sang and danced, evoking the people, and the way they dressed, from the three provinces of Tibet. “We are the people of Tibet, the people of Chenrezig,” the song went, “let us unite.” Finally, in pairs the dancers exchanged katas, silk scarves, as a gesture of friendship.

The Chief Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, Yeshi Wangmo, offered His Holiness a kata and representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha. She then read the lines of the oath for taking responsibility as Sikyong and Penpa Tsering repeated them after her. She then read the lines of the pledge of truth which he again duly repeated after her. She offered him a kata and he sat down to sign the oaths of office. The Honourable Sikyong then prostrated before His Holiness and offered him representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha.

While TCV students played flutes and drums the outgoing Kalöns (Ministers) and former Kalöns offered katas to Penpa Tsering. He was then invited to make an inaugural address. He began by saluting His Holiness: “Champion of peace, symbol of the Tibetan people, emanation of Avalokiteshvara, I am immensely grateful that on this occasion of swearing-in of the 17th Kashag His Holiness kindly agreed to preside over the ceremony.

“I greet the guests and dignitaries who have come from far away to be with us today, the staff of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and members of monastic and lay-communities.

“When I took part in the 2021 election for Sikyong, I pledged that I would not engage in any word or deed that would create a rift with others. I did the same in the recent election and was re-elected. I would like to thank everyone who gave their help. During the time of the 16th Kashag, with regard to Tibetan politics, administration and achieving the welfare of our people, we have done our best. Whatever we could do was thanks to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

“People in Tibet are completely devoted to His Holiness, and they are our inspiration for whatever we are able to do in exile. I’d like to thank everyone who has given their help. The 17th Kashag will also follow His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision and instructions. We will work according to our principles of unity, truth and unbiased administration.

“With regard to the Chinese administration we may wonder how our approach will bear fruit, but we are determined to engage in dialogue with China. We will do our best, using whatever means we can to achieve our goal.

“Under Chinese rule the situation in Tibet has become quite critical. The Chinese communists are using all kinds of devious means to disrupt the Tibetan community. We will resist their efforts. To maintain the struggle for Tibet we will use e-governance, for which a firm foundation is required. We intend to use technology, digital tools and AI. We will create a communication strategy to provide information wherever it is needed to fulfil Tibetan aspirations.

“We will maintain harmonious relations to preserve our unity. We will also take care of the vulnerable in our community providing them with health care and insurance. The CTA and the Tibetan people in exile need to be self-sufficient. We will do our best to achieve our goal. I’d like to invite everyone here to join us in this venture.

“The 17th Kashag will follow His Holiness’s vision while carrying out our work. Those of us who are Tibetans in exile should not forget that we are exiles. We should do our best and have the determination to carry on our struggle. Although Chinese communists are trying hard to destroy our Tibetan identity we will not be discouraged from our efforts to preserve our culture, language and traditions.

“I would like to thank the Government and people of India, the USA and all other countries and peoples who have given us their support. We pray that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will live long and that observance of his four commitments may flourish throughout the world. May we Tibetans inside and outside Tibet come together soon. This is my deepest prayer.”

Young students of Yongling School performed a charming dance called E-ma-ho, followed by a spirited performance by children of Gangkyi Petön School. After watching with evident pleasure, His Holiness prepared to return to his residence. Driving at a pedestrian pace in an electric golf-cart, he smiled and waved at people on either side of the courtyard as he went.

As he drove through the temple courtyard His Holiness beamed at members of the two groups of patrons and other well-wishers gathered on either side to greet him.

In the temple, His Holiness’s throne was lavishly decorated with marigold garlands while the table before him was adorned with strings of white champaka flowers. Facing him, and presiding over the ritual was Kundeling Rinpoché. To his right sat the Abbot of Namgyal Monastery; the Abbot of Ganden Shartsé; Khensur Lobsang Khedrup, former Abbot of Gyutö; Khensur Lobsang Gyaltsen, former Abbot of Gomang; and Shartsé Khensur, Jangchub Chöden, who is Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation. To Rinpoché’s left sat the Abbot of Ganden Jangtsé, Jigmé Lamsang from Bhutan, as well as the Abbot of Ganden Shartsé, Jangchub Sangyé. In addition to them were representatives of the Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu and Bön traditions.

The ceremony began with a recitation of ‘Clouds of Ambrosial Blessings’ Trulsik Rinpoché’s invocation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s previous lives. It recalls the religious kings of Tibet, Drom Tön Pema Jungné, Jamyang Chöjé, the founder of Drepung monastery and many others in India and Tibet. The verse that refers to His Holiness’s birth goes:

To you, wondrously born in Taktser,
According to the predictions of Shridevi (Palden Lhamo),
Near the birthplace of Guru Manjunath (Jé Tsongkhapa)
In Dhomay (Amdo), to a family that originated in Central [Tibet]--we pray.

The main ceremony, following the ‘Long Life Ceremony of White Tara of the Wish-Fulfilling Wheel’ by the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, began next. Arising from the white syllable TAM, White Tara was invoked. Her body is as white as the autumn moon. She has one face with three eyes, two arms, and the youthful appearance of a sixteen-year-old. Her right hand is in the gesture of granting sublime accomplishments. Between the ring finger and thumb of her left hand she holds the stem of a white Utpala flower at her heart. She sits legs crossed in the vajra posture. The following prayer was addressed to her:

Blessed one, over countless aeons,
you have trained in compassion out of loving affection.
Your aspirations are vast, your visions complete,
And now is the time to fulfill your pledge to benefit living beings.

A long series of offerings was made to her beginning with water to drink, water to wash the feet, water to wash the face, purifying water (sprinkled to remove obstructive forces), flowers, incense, light, fragrance, food, music, and so forth. There were offerings of garments, ornaments, the seven precious possessions, the seven subsidiary precious possessions, the eight auspicious symbols, the five sense objects — visual forms, music, fragrances, flavours and objects to touch. A parasol, a victory banner and a decorative banner, fabric, and music were also given.

Tara was praised:

Mother 'Tare', you liberate beings from samsara.
With 'tuttare', you liberate beings from the eight fears.
With 'tare', you liberate beings from death.
We prostrate to you, O Tara.

Next, at the heart of the Lama visualized as Tara a white wheel was described. It was of the nature of the moon, with eight spokes and five rims. At its hub was the white seed syllable TAM surrounded by His Holiness’s name mantra — Om Ah Guru Vajradhara Bhattarak Manjushri Vagindra Sumati Jnana Shasana Dhara Samudra Shri Bhadra Siddhi Ayur Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru.

A series of verses following the pattern of this first stanza invoked the lineage masters of this practice:

Blessed one, Buddha, Lord of the Sages-
We invite you to come to this place.
Having come to this supreme abode,
May you prolong the life of our
Glorious sacred Lama by a hundred aeons.
Please grant him the spiritual accomplishment of an immortal life.
Om Tare Tuttare Ture Satgu Rora Ayur Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru Svaha

Amitabha, who adorned the head of the Lama, transformed into Amitayus, the protector of immeasurable longevity and primordial wisdom, holding a golden vase filled with the nectar of immortality. A stream of nectar rises, overflowed the vase, and entered the body of the glorious Lama through the opening at the crown of his head. His entire body was filled with nectar, purifying all dangers of disease, negative influences, harmful actions, obscurations, and premature death that appear to impure perception — so the Lama attained the spiritual accomplishment of immortality.

The Lamas conducting the ritual led the congregation of an estimated 5000 people in reciting the mantra Om Tare Tuttare Ture Satgu Rora Ayur Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru Svaha as many times as possible.

Kundeling Rinpoché, with the former President of the Dokham Chushi Gangdruk and the President of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, offered a mandala to His Holiness, requesting him to live long. Representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha, a vase containing the elixir of life, symbols of the Buddhas of the five families, long-life liquor, long-life pills, the seven precious royal emblems, the eight auspicious symbols and the eight auspicious substances were offered as well.

As is customary, the ‘Song of Immortality’, the prayer for His Holiness’s long life composed by his Two Tutors was recited. It contains the following refrain:

To you, we offer our prayers with fervent devotion:
That Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the Land of Snows, live for a hundred eons.
Shower on him your blessings
So that his aspirations are fulfilled without hindrance.

Members of the two groups offering prayers today filed through the temple carrying images of the enlightened ones, scriptures and so forth. Their representives approached the throne to receive His Holiness’s blessings.

A heartfelt request was made to His Holiness: “We the Dokham Chushi Gangdruk wish to greet you. We pray that the sun may soon shine once more on Tibet and that we Tibetans may gather together there. 135 monks and nuns have performed longevity rituals for Your Holiness over the last three days.”

An ornamental memento indicating gratitude and respect for His Holiness was presented to him, and its features explained, by representatives of the Dokham Chushi Gangdruk.

Lamas belonging to the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association presented a silver conch with an accompanying citation that His Holiness read. They said: “In connection with the celebrations of His Holiness’s 90th birthday and the Year of Compassion we pray for the welfare of all beings, especially the people of Tibet. This silver conch we offer to you in gratitude.”

Two lay reprentatives of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association presented His Holiness with a mounted ornamental bodhi leaf telling him that they had inscribed it with words of respect for his work to preserve Tibet’s culture, literature and natural environment. “Protector of the beings and teachings of Tibet, may all your good wishes be fulfilled.”

Members of the Chushi Gangdruk sang songs composed by the Sixth Dalai Lama, including the famous prediction about his successor "White crane! Lend me your wings, I will not fly far, From Lithang, I shall return."

His Holiness was presented with a thanksgiving mandala in gratitude for his agreement to live long. There followed a prayer to Amitayus, deity of longevity, and a recitation of ‘The Sage's Harmonious Song of Truth — A Prayer for the Flourishing of the Teachings of the Buddha without Sectarianism’, that includes the verse:

May the lives of the masters who uphold these teachings be secure and harmonious!
May the sangha preserve these teachings through their study, meditation and activity!
May the world be filled with faithful individuals intent on following these teachings!
And long may the non-sectarian teachings of the Buddha continue to flourish!

The ceremony concluded with the prayer of the ‘Words of Truth’.

As His Holiness was leaving the temple he beaconed two young tulkus to him and gave them words of encouragement. Similarly, as he walked to the lift, he paid particular attention to elderly and young members of the crowd, but all the while keeping a smile for everyone lining the way.

This sacred day reminds us of the light that Shakyamuni Buddha brought into the world more than 2,500 years ago. Though the world has transformed beyond recognition since then, his teachings remain relevant today. His profound insight into dependent arising, and his call to harm no one and to help all beings, remain the most compassionate and practical guide for living in our troubled times.

Whenever I can, I encourage those who consider themselves followers of the Buddha to be 21st-century Buddhists: to discover what the teachings truly mean and to put them into practice. This entails listening and reading, reflecting deeply on what one has heard or read, and making oneself thoroughly familiar with it.

On this joyful celebration of the 2,570th Buddha Jayanti, I offer my greetings to all my Buddhist brothers and sisters. I pray that each of us, by bringing the Buddha's teachings into our own daily lives, may contribute to creating a happier and more peaceful world.

With my prayers and good wishes,

Dalai Lama

1st May 2026

On this occasion the longevity ritual was based on the practice of White Tara of the Wish-Fulfilling Wheel, originally composed by the Great Fifth Dalai Lama. The Abbot of Namgyal Monastery, Khensur Lobsang Samten, presided over proceedings. He began by making prostrations and offering His Holiness a silk scarf. Seated to his right were Keutsang Rinpoché, the former Abbot of Ganden Jangtsé monastery and the Namgyal Monastery Lobpön, while to his left sat the Abbot and Former Abbot of Dzongkha Chödé Monastery. Behind them was Bodong Panchen Rinpoché.

The ritual began with a series of offerings leading to a praise of Arya Tara:

Mother 'Tare', you liberate beings from samsara.
With 'tuttare', you liberate beings from the eight fears.
With 'tare', you liberate beings from death.
We prostrate to you, O Tara ...
The Lady who grants sublime accomplishments.

Next was a description of mantras visualized at the heart of the Lama:

At the heart of the Lama, who is seen as Tara, there is a white wheel which has the nature of the moon. The wheel has eight spokes and five rims. At its hub is the white seed syllable TAM. The TAM is surrounded by His Holiness’s long name-mantra: OM AH GURU VAJRADHARA BHATTARAK MANJUSHRI VAGINDRA SUMATI JNANA SHASANA DHARA SAMUDRA SHRI BHADRA SIDDHI AYUR PUNYA JNANA PUSHTIM KURU. Several more mantras were described standing on the respective rims of the wheel.

There followed an invocation of the Lamas of the lineage who were called upon to grant the Lama immortality. After their names were invoked, each was requested as follows:

We invite you to come to this place.
Having come to this supreme abode,
May you prolong the life of our
Glorious sacred Lama by a hundred aeons.
Please grant him the spiritual accomplishment of an immortal life.

The presiding Lama, the Namgyal Monastery Abbot, flourished the long-life arrow and then approached the throne to give it to His Holiness, who wielded it gently in the several directions.

The ritual continued: “Amitabha, who adorns the head of the Lama, is visualized transforming into Amitayus, the protector of immeasurable longevity and primordial wisdom. His body is white with a red tinge, and he has one face and two arms. His hands are in the gesture of meditative equipoise, holding a golden vase filled with the nectar of immortality. The nectar overflows and enters the body of the glorious Lama through the opening at the crown of his head. His entire body is filled with nectar, purifying all the dangers of disease, negative influences, harmful actions, obscurations, and premature death that appear to our impure perception. The Lama attains the spiritual accomplishment of immortality.

“Then rays of light shine out through the pores of his body, forming a large cocoon of white light that surrounds his body at a distance of an arm's length. All the peaceful enlightened activities are accomplished. Rays of yellow light shine out through the pores of his body, forming a cocoon of yellow light an arm's length beyond the white cocoon formed earlier. All the increasing enlightened activities are accomplished. Rays of red light shine out through the pores of his body, forming a cocoon of red light an arm's length beyond the yellow cocoon. All the powerful enlightened activities are accomplished.

“Rays of deep blue light shine out through the pores of his body, forming a cocoon of deep blue light an arm's length beyond the red cocoon. All the wrathful enlightened activities are accomplished. Rays of green light shine out through the pores of his body, forming a cocoon of green light an arm's length beyond the deep blue cocoon. All enlightened activities are accomplished. Rays of brown light shine out through the pores of his body, forming a cocoon of brown light an arm's length beyond the green cocoon. Through this all the blessings and enlightened activities are stabilized.

“These six cocoons of light form a single egg-shaped structure that is solid and firm, and not even the wind at the end of an aeon can destroy it. The space between them is filled with newly blossomed and fresh blue utpala flowers that are pliant, swirling and insubstantial.”

A white wheel is visualized inside the white cocoon. The wheel turns clockwise. A mass of fire blazes and instantly burns up negative forces and obstacles like a feather that has fallen on a blacksmith's forge.

A thread, one end of which was in His Holiness’s hand was distributed to the Lamas leading the ritual forming a link between them as they recited White Tara’s mantra many times. The thread was then retrieved.

A mandala was offered in supplication requesting His Holiness to live long for the benefit of sentient beings and the Buddha’s teaching. The presiding Lama then offered a statue of White Tara representing the body of enlightenment, a scripture representing enlightened speech and a stupa representing the enlightened mind.

There was an offering of a vase containing the elixir of longevity, symbols of the Buddhas of the five families, long-life liquor, long-life pills and the seven royal emblems: a precious wheel, a precious jewel, a precious queen, a precious minister, a precious elephant, a precious supreme horse, and a precious general. These seven precious royal emblems are endowed with the sovereignty of the Dharma of the supreme vehicle, praised by all the Conquerors of the three times. They were offered with the wish that the sovereignty of the Dharma may always be firm.

Offerings were made of the eight auspicious symbols — the wheel, the victory banner, the parasol, the infinite knot, the lotus flower, the excellent vase, the golden fishes, and a right-coiled conch shell. They were followed by the eight auspicious substances — a mirror, the anitdote bezoar, yogurt, durva grass, wood apple, a right-turned conch-shell, vermilion powder and mustard seeds.

Meanwhile the procession of patrons bearing offerings of statues, scriptures, robes and so forth, passed briskly before the throne. Representatives of sponsoring groups approached the throne to receive His Holiness’s blessing. 

There was a recitation of the ‘The Melody of the Nectar of Immortality, a Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Supreme Victor and Omniscient One’ by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, followed by the single verse prayer for His Holiness’s long life.

A thanksgiving mandala was presented to His Holiness in gratitude for his having agreed to live long. The assembly then chanted ‘The Sage's Harmonious Song of Truth — A Prayer for the Flourishing of the Non Sectarian Teachings of the Buddha’, composed by His Holiness, of which the gist is:

This is the supreme and noble tradition for practising,
Without mistake, the essence and gradual stages of the path,
Which incorporates all three baskets and all four classes of tantra,
Long may these teachings of the Buddha flourish in the Land of Snows!

The prayer concludes:

In short, for as long as space endures,
And for as long as there is suffering among beings,
May I too remain, to bring them benefit and happiness,
In all ways, directly and indirectly!

Auspicious prayers were said to bring the occasion to a propitious end, including the ‘Prayer of the Words of Truth’. His Holiness rose from the throne and left the temple. As he walked to the lift he smiled radiantly at members of the crowd on either side. Then, back in the courtyard, he boarded a golf-cart to drive back to his residence, acknowledging the crowd on the way.

Indeed, whether we look to Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism or any of the world's great spiritual traditions, the message is fundamentally the same: love, compassion, tolerance, and self-discipline. Violence finds no true home in any of these teachings. History has shown us time and again that violence only begets more violence and is never a lasting foundation for peace.

An enduring resolution to conflict, including the ones we see in the Middle East or between Russia and Ukraine, must be rooted in dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect — approached with the understanding that, at the deepest level, we are all brothers and sisters.

I urge for and pray that the violence and conflicts may soon come to an end.

DALAI LAMA

31 March 2026

“The world today faces many profound challenges,” he wrote, “and this is a time when fundamental human values are being tested. As religious leaders, I believe we bear a special responsibility to reaffirm these values and bring them to wider attention. All the world's great religions counsel compassion, patience, self-discipline, and contentment, and offer practical guidance on how to cultivate them. These are qualities we can meaningfully share with all of humanity.

“I am delighted to know that you will be the first woman to lead the Anglican Church. There is growing scientific evidence suggesting that women tend to be more attuned to the well-being of others, particularly when it comes to compassion. It is therefore my sincere conviction that a world with more women in leadership would be a more understanding and peaceful one. Your appointment is a beacon of hope.”

His Holiness ended his letter by offering his prayers and good wishes.

When His Holiness reached the gate to his residence, representatives of the three groups offering prayers, the Association of People from Central Tibet, the Association of People from the Zachuk region of Kham and the Association of People from Kyirong, stepped forward to greet him. Then, led by monks playing horns and swinging censers, they escorted him to the temple. Dancers sang and danced in celebration in the temple yard.

Ling Rinpoché presided over today’s ceremony that was based on the Wish-fulfilling Wheel of White Tara. Seated to his right was the Abbot of Namgyal Monastery and to his left, Trulshik Rinpoché and the Dorjé Löbpön of Namgyal Monastery. Among the guests to the left of the throne were former Abbots of Ganden Jangtsé and Gyutö Monasteries.

Descriptions of complex visualizations were punctuated by a verse refrain:

May you prolong the life
Of our glorious, sacred Lama for 100 aeons
Please grant him
the spiritual accomplishment of immortality.

Next there were appeals to spiritual masters of the past to prolong the Lama’s life.

Ling Rinpoché came forward to present the Long-Life Arrow to His Holiness who took it and wielded it gently in all directions. Amitayus was invoked. A cord linking the lamas performing the ritual to His Holiness was distributed while tents of coloured light were evoked.

The Chant-master led a recitation of a mandala offering requesting the Lama to live 100 aeons for the sake of the teachings and sentient beings. Reinforcing this request Ling Rinpoché asked “May you live 100 aeons so we may continue to collect merit and wisdom”. He also offered a mandala followed by a statue of Arya Tara, a scripture and a stupa, which represented the body, speech and mind of the enlightened ones. Next, he presented emblems representing the Buddhas of the five families, long-life liquor, pills for longevity, the seven royal emblems, the eight auspicious symbols, and the eight auspicious substances.

While the prayer for His Holiness’s Long Life by his two tutors was recited, representatives of the groups offering today’s ceremony approached the throne to receive His Holiness’s blessings.

The Association of People of Central Tibet presented His Holiness with an emblem they described as the World’s Refuge Award. One of their number read out an introduction to what it symbolizes:

“The award is crafted from fine bronze. Its circular form symbolizing His Holiness’s universal activity of love, compassion and righteousness, a radiant light for the world. At its centre the Potala Palace represents the long and glorious history of the Tibetan nation and His Holiness's role as supreme refuge of the Tibetan people in this life and beyond. His Holiness's characteristic compassionate smile expresses the heartfelt hope of the Tibetan people for his swift and auspicious return to the Potala and his sowing the seeds of love and compassion throughout the world.

“The rays of light radiating as a halo from behind his head illuminate his all-pervading compassion, which guides the entire world along the path of peace and well-being. Three clouds represent his three vows scattering blessings over the world like flowers falling from the sky and pouring a ceaseless rain of love and compassion upon all beings.

“The world map on the reverse symbolises His Holiness's vision of universal responsibility, the oneness of humanity, the view of interdependence, and his conduct of peace and non-violence. The map of Tibet embodies his commitment to preserve, undiminished, the unique religious and cultural identity of the Tibetan people. The emblems of His Holiness's ninetieth year and of the Years of Love and Compassion pay tribute to the breadth of his outer, inner and secret activities elevating the value of compassion in the world.

“The ring of mountains encircling the award evokes His Holiness's incomparable kindness in safeguarding Tibet's religion, politics and culture. The two snow lions supporting the award represent the entire Tibetan people's admiration and reverence for His Holiness’s incomparable legacy of preserving the religion, politics and culture of Tibet.

“On the pedestal, an inscription in Tibetan and English proclaims that His Holiness is the incomparable refuge and protector of all beings on earth. The double endless knot at the very centre of the award, the symbol of Central Tibet, represents the union of religion and governance. The six-syllable mantra Om mani padme hum on the reverse illuminates the unique faith of the Tibetan people. May His Holiness remain firm and steadfast forever.”

The Association of People from Dokham Zachuka also presented His Holiness with a special memento and one of their number read out an accompanying testimony in which he expressed the hope that the people of Tibet may come together once more. The people of Dokham Zachuka pledged to follow His Holiness who is Padmapani, the holder of the lotus and a wish-granting jewel. They repeated the hope that they may all meet once more in Lhasa.

A mandala and representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddhas were offered in thanksgiving for His Holiness’s accepting the request to live long.

Today’s ceremony was brought to an end with auspicious prayers including the ‘Words of Truth’. As monk’s playing horns and swinging censers, as well as representatives of today’s patrons, again led the way, His Holiness left the temple. As he neared the lift, he had a charming interaction with a small boy who jumped up and ran forward when he beckoned. After His Holiness had patted his head, the little boy waved and quickly folded his hands in prayer, much to His Holiness’s amusement. He continued to smile at well-wishers to right and left as he made his way back to his residence.

To begin with, a group of lay practitioners, from Roopa and Kalaktang in Arunachal Pradesh performed a ritual related to the practice of Chöd. They concluded their ceremony with the prayer for His Holiness’s long life in a single verse.

In the heavenly realm of Tibet, surrounded by a chain of snow mountains,
The source of all happiness and help for beings
Is Tenzin Gyatso—Chenrezik in person—
May his life be secure for hundreds of aeons!

Tea and sweet rice were blessed and served.

As monks of Namgyal Monastery chanted the respective verses the convenor of the Core Group and two senior members of the Tibet Support Groups offered a mandala and representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha to His Holiness.

'The Song of Immortality - The Extensive Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama' by his two tutors was recited first in Hindi, led by Kailash Chandra Baudh, and then in Tibetan. Tibetan and Indian flags were presented to His Holiness. Executive members of the Core Group paid their respects and offered him ‘katas’, silk scarves.

National Convenor of the Core Group for the Tibetan Cause—India, Mr RK Khirmey addressed the gathering and spoke of the inspiration His Holiness has been for so long for the Core Group’s members. He and senior members of the All-India Tibet Support Groups released a Tenshuk Souvenir. Next, they presented His Holiness with a ‘Karuna Ratna’, a Jewel of Compassion, which consisted of a golden bodhi-leaf with a Dharma wheel on one side and a hand in the teaching mudra on the other. The master of ceremonies read out the words displayed on its base:

The Karuna Ratna is reverentially offered to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, by the Tibet Support Groups in India in recognition of his life-long dedication to world peace, compassion and the promotion of India’s ancient spiritual heritage. We reaffirm our steadfast support for His Holiness’s pursuit of the Four Noble Commitments and the restoration of Tibet’s freedom.

A group of women from Arunachal Pradesh sang and danced as part of a performance highlighting the folk traditions, costumes and so forth of the six major tribes of the state. This was followed by a classical dance presentation, dedicated to the Goddess Kali, by artists from Tamil Nadu, which demonstrated the storytelling function of South Indian dance forms.

More than 400 members of the All-India Tibet Support Groups were then able file past His Holiness, paying their respects, while monks of Namgyal Monastery repeated the ‘Prayer of the Words of Truth’.

After Ajit Nehria, President of the India Tibet Friendship Association, Dharamsala had offered words of thanks, His Holiness stepped down from the throne, boarded a golf-cart and drove slowly back to his residence, smiling and waving to the gathered well-wishers as he went.

Representatives of these sponsors met His Holiness at the gate to his residence. Then, preceded by monks playing horns and swinging censers, they escorted him to the temple. Smiling broadly, he waved to people on either side of the aisle as he went.

The ceremony was presided over by Kundelling Rinpoché who sat facing His Holiness the Dalai Lama. To Rinpoché’s right sat Geshé Lobsang Samten, the new Abbot of Namgyal Monastery, and to his right was Keutsang Rinpoché. To Kundelling Rinpoché’s left sat Öser Rinpoché, the Dorjé Löbpön of Namgyal Monastery and the Former Disciplinarian of the Monstery.

Today’s prayers focussed on White Tara who bestows long life and is regarded as protecting all sentient beings. She was invoked with a request to “Please come to this place, with your retinue. Now is the time to fulfil your pledge to help sentient beings.” The visualized Tara deity was empowered and an Amitabha Buddha arose on her head. Extensive oceans of offerings were imagined, including water for washing, flowers, music, an ornamental umbrella and victory banner. The Tara mantra was visualized as a wheel.

Prayers were made to a series of Lamas and deities, each verse culminating in the following request:

May you prolong the life of our glorious, precious Lama for 100 aeons,
Please grant him the spiritual accomplishment of immortality.

Kundelling Rinpoché approached the throne to present His Holiness with the long-life arrow, which he accepted and flourished. Amitayus, the Buddha of longevity was invoked. His Holiness held at his heart a vajra from which ran a cord that reached each of the Lamas leading the ceremony. The ritual described the Lama’s body being filled with various coloured lights, yellow, red, blue, green and brown, which radiated from the pores of his body to form tents of light. Tara’s mantra was recited envisioned as a wheel.

A Tsog (Ganapuja) offering was made from which His Holiness took and ate a portion. The Chant-Master constructed a mandala of grain which Kundelling Rinpoché offered to His Holiness requesting him to live long, following which he presented a statue, scripture and stupa, representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha. Next, he offered a vase of longevity, from which His Holiness took a drop, symbols of five Buddha families, nectar of longevity and long-life pills. Subsequently he offered the seven royal emblems, indicating the sovereignty of the Dharma, the eight auspicious symbols, representing the flourishing of virtue, and the eight auspicious substances, which signify overcoming ignorance.

A procession of people bearing offerings such as statues, copies of the Longevity Sutra, monastic robes and so forth, filed through the temple. Individuals approached His Holiness and were given a talisman, a knotted and blessed strip of red cloth. There was a recitation of 'The Melody of the Nectar of Immortality - a Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Supreme Victor and Omniscient One by Jamyang Khyentsé Chökyi Lodrö. Bringing up the rear of the procession was a very elderly, white-haired man wearing a white chuba—His Holiness appreciatively patted his head.

The Chant-master constructed another mandala to be offered to His Holiness as a token of gratitude for his accepting the request that he live for 100 aeons. Representatives of the patrons, women and men, offered representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha, recalling that His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, Avalokiteshvara, is the source of all happiness.

A monk from Namgyal Monastery read out a declaration paying homage to His Holiness and acknowledging his four major commitments. At the same time representatives of the former political prisoners in Tibet presented His Holiness with memento of his having reached his 90th year, along with a painting of him surrounded by people who have been significant in his life — his teachers, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawarhalal Nehru, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and many others. The statement alluded to His Holiness as a teacher of compassion and someone who upholds all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. There was mention of His Holiness’s guiding prayer:

As long as space endures,
And as long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, may I too remain
To help dispel the misery of the world.

The declaration ended, “We request you to accept this memento and award offered on this occasion by the former political prisoners of Tibet.”

Next, Ngawang Sangdol, one of the ‘Singing Nuns’ who were arrested and punished in Tibet, made her own speech:

“With great hardship Your Holiness left your homeland. Yet, out of compassion you look after all sentient beings, particularly the people of Tibet. You are the sole hope of the entire Tibetan people. The disruptive forces of the Chinese Communist party have brought such adversity to the Tibetan people that they shed tears day and nights as they suffer.

“We are at dire risk of losing our culture and language. People in Tibet have resorted to desperate measures like self-immolation to draw attention to this. We are no longer free in our own land. As a result, we have had to flee our homes. We pray that you, who are the Lord of the Land of Snow, may yet return there.

“The Chinese Communists do not allow Tibetan language to be taught. Teachers continue to teach covertly as best they can, but they do so at great risk to themselves. There are even Chinese officials assigned to teach Tibetan children contrived history. They explain to tourists, for example, that the Potala Palace was built as a gift to a Chinese princess.

“People working for the government are not allowed to visit temples or engage in devout behaviour. All Tibetans are devoted to you, Your Holiness, but children are forced to rebel against their parents. Rules and regulations restrict what Tibetans can do. Children named Tenzin are not allowed to take exams. There is not enough time to describe everything that is going on. Suffice it to say that when we hear your voice, our eyes fill with tears. There is no one else like you who has encouraged combining traditional knowledge with modern science to teach compassion. We pray to be your disciples now and in the future.”

The ceremony was concluded with recitations of the verse for his long life that His Holiness composed at Dilgo Khyentsé Rinpoché’s request, the ‘Prayer for the Ecumenical Flourishing of the Teaching of the Buddha’, the ‘Prayer of the Words of Truth’ and verses from the Samantabhadra Prayer, the King of Prayers.

His Holiness walked from the temple to the lift and then rode in a golfcart through the temple yard smiling and greeting well-wishers on either side.

“It is heartening to see that the people of Japan have placed their trust in your capable leadership,” he wrote. “At a time when our world faces many complex challenges, leadership grounded in compassion and a sincere concern for the well-being of others is of the utmost importance. I hope that your election will serve as an inspiration to many and contribute to the nurturing of a more humane, cooperative and peaceful global community.

“I wish you every success as you continue to meet the responsibilities of your office in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Japan, and work towards the creation of a more compassionate and peaceful world.”