Taking his seat before the throne, he joined several thousand people who had gathered to recite prayers to the Medicine Buddha. The event was organized and led by monks and Lamas of Sera Mé Monastic College in honour of His Holiness’s forthcoming 90th birthday and the Year of Compassion announced by the Central Tibetan Administration.

As the Sera Mé Chant Master led the recitation, tea and ceremonial sweet rice were served. In an interval during the prayers, His Holiness gave the oral transmission of an invocation to Palden Lhamo that he composed some years ago.

After taking part in the prayers for a little more than an hour, His Holiness left the temple and drove back to his residence returning the greetings of smiling people on either side of the aisle as he went.

“I was able to visit your country for the first time in 1979,” His Holiness wrote, “and I have warm memories of that occasion and of the several further visits I have made since then. I am very encouraged by the interest and enthusiasm that Mongolians, young and old, have been showing in promoting human values, as well as the need to combine traditional Buddhist knowledge with modern education.

“As you know, Mongolian and Tibetans have historically been like twin brothers and sisters. The Dalai Lamas have enjoyed a unique, close relationship with your people since the time of the Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso.

“As I have mentioned during my visits to Mongolia, although other faiths are followed in the country, it is Buddhism that has historically shaped the identity, culture and spiritual life of your people. Since the Buddha’s teachings emphasize such fundamental human values as compassion and non-violence, they have the potential to be of benefit to everyone, without contradicting an individual’s personal beliefs. I trust that you and your government will continue to preserve and uphold these values.

“I admire the impressive progress Mongolia has made over the years in all spheres of life. Such extensive achievements are all the more meaningful when they really improve the lives of poor and needy Mongolians.”

His Holiness ended his letter by wishing the new Prime Minister every success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Mongolia in these challenging times.

“Today the world is passing through very challenging times,” he wrote, “even as there is a growing sense of interdependence and the oneness of humanity across the world. A lasting peace in the Korean peninsula is of vital importance to the entire world. I am sure you will continue to make persistent efforts to secure lasting peace in the region through diplomacy and dialogue.

“In recent years, a growing number of Korean Buddhists has shown an interest in studying at the Centres of Learning we have re-established in India. Meanwhile, I regularly meet Korean Buddhist brothers and sisters who come to India on pilgrimage.

“I wish you every success in meeting whatever challenges lie ahead, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of South Korea, and contributing to a more harmonious, peaceful world.”

His Holiness concluded by offering his prayers and good wishes.

Led by the sound of horns, drums and singers, His Holiness drove up the aisle through the courtyard in a golfcart happily returning greetings from well-wishers on either side. At the temple balcony he stopped to survey members of the estimated 5500 strong crowd and wave to them.

In the temple His Holiness took his seat on the throne and the prayers began. These were presided over by Ven Samdhong Rinpoché, flanked to the right by Keutsang Rinpoché and to the left by Chokhor Rinpoché. Verses in praise of the Buddha were followed by the Long Life ritual 'Granting the Essence of Immortality' composed by the Great Fifth Dalai Lama following a vision he had of Guru Padmasambhava in the form of Amitayus.

There were verses invoking the dakinis to clear obstacles and grant the Lama long life. The Lama, the source of all benefit and happiness for all sentient beings, was requested to live for a long time. Meanwhile a procession from among the groups of patrons made its way from the courtyard, up through the temple, past the throne and back down again. Proferred were statues of the enlightened ones, volumes of scripture and finally a huge rolled carpet.

Tea, blessed by the recitation of a verse in praise of Nagarjuna, was served followed by the distribution of sweet rice. A verse was said requesting the Lama to live long to glorify the tradition of Jé Tsongkhapa.

At the start of the actual long-life prayer the Lama was imagined arising from emptiness in the form of Buddha Amitayus, white in colour, with one face and two hands, which hold a vase of immortality. A series of verses addressed to the eight aspects of Guru Padmasambhava and the dakini Yeshé Tsogyal concluded with the lines:

... the time has come,
Please grant the spiritual accomplishment of immortal life.

Samdhong Rinpoché presented His Holiness with the long-life arrow, which he took and briefly flourished in the air. Next, His Holiness was offered tsog from which he took a token portion.

Protector of teachings and the beings of Tibet
You who greatly elucidate the path combining emptiness and compassion
Ocean of teachings Tenzin Gyatso, Padmapani,
Holding a lotus in your hand
To you I pray, may all your wishes be spontaneously be fulfilled.

After this verse had been recited three times, a mandala representing the entire universe was offered to His Holiness, addressed by his long name Jampel Ngagwang Lobzang Yéshé Tendzin Gyatso, with the request that he live hundreds of aeons. Next were presented to him representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha, the Long-life Vase, Long-life Nectar, and Long-life pills. Ritual cakes signifying the four activities relating to peace, increase, control and force were offered to overcome all diseases, negative forces and obstacles. Offerings were made of the royal emblems, the auspicious objects and the auspicious substances.

Recitation of the Prayer for His Holiness’s Long Life composed by his two Tutors was followed by the prayer written by Jamyang Khyentsé Chökyi Lodrö.

Attention turned to three Tibetan women, the leader of whom proclaimed a prayer to His Holiness entitled the ‘Nectar of Immortality’s Pleasing Melody’.

You who embody the great love and wisdom of all Conquerors
In a single form white like a snow-capped mountain,
Nirmanakaya, Supreme Arya Lokeshvara,
Guru to beings wandering throughout the three realms
May you be victorious.
Your wonders are without peer in the three worlds
Noble like the udumbara flower
Omniscient One, crown jewel of the teachings and beings of this world,
Great Conqueror Padmapani, may your life be long and secure.
Although you were a Buddha from the start
You awakened your mind and made a pledge as firm as a vajra
To reach out to beings and care for them in this age of strife.
Great Lord of the ten grounds, may your life be long and secure.
May you manifest realizations of the stages of the path to enlightenment.
From you indivisibly merged three secrets
Arose your inconceivable qualities of knowledge and love,
Second Lord of Sages presiding over the northern land of Tibet
May your life be long and secure.
Nothing hinders or impedes your ability to explain, debate or compose.
With your eight great repositories of confidence
You are completely free.
Teaching the Dharma with a knowledge that unerringly
Dissolves individual phenomena.
Great One, Victorious Over All,
May your life be long and secure
Embodiment of emptiness and compassion
Your Holiness, you are the patron deity of Tibet
Upon whom our flowers of prayer have fallen.

“On the occasion of your 90th birthday we perform this song composed by Drubtop Thangtong Gyalpo.”

The leader sang each line of the following verse, which her companions echoed in a chorus. At the end the congregation erupted in fervent applause.

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—Chenrezig in person—
May his life be secure for hundreds of aeons!

A thanksgiving mandala was offered and His Holiness addressed the crowd.

“Today, Former students of the Central School for Tibetans, Darjeeling, the Tibetan Community of New York & New Jersey and the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota have offered these prayers for my long life.

“I was born near Siling, moved to Lhasa, and received novice monk and fully ordained monk’s vows from my Abbot, Yongzin Ling Rinpoché before the Jowo statue.

“I may have told you before about an occasion when I had a dream or vision of the Buddha. He was there before me in person and I was among those around him. He beckoned me to him so I respectfully approached. He patted my head with the kindness of one taking care of his disciples. I made a prayer, “May the Dharma long endure”, and determined that I would serve it.

“The tradition we preserve in Tibet represents the essence of all the Buddha’s teachings. He patted my head and expressed approval of what I have done.

“I had nothing to offer except a piece of chocolate which I gave to him and he was pleased. I was amazed at the way he kindly and compassionately showed care for me.

“As you know, I fled Tibet and came to India where I’ve lived most of my life. I’ve been able to visit Bodhgaya and many other places, where I have been able to give teachings, which has been very good.

“Putting the teachings I received from Lama Dorjé Chang, Ling Rinpoché, into practice, I’ve been able to transform my mind. In China, Mao Zedong was friendly to me. He praised my interest in modern science, but also remarked that religion is poison. From this I could tell he was hostile to the Dharma.

“I’ve also been able to travel to many other countries and contribute to the flourishing of the Dharma by teaching. Within my engagement in the Three Trainings of ethics, concentration and wisdom, my main practice has been to cultivate the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the view of emptiness.

“Although we followers of Buddha Shakyamuni live at a time when the teachings are in decline, we can revive them within ourselves. It seems that even those who have been opposed to what the Buddha taught may eventually take interest in it.

“We are human beings who have encountered the teaching of the Buddha. On my own part, I try my best to serve the Buddhadharma. Every morning, the moment I wake, I generate bodhichitta and the view of emptiness and I pray that I may be of service to others. Since we may say you are my students, I explain how I practise to you, how I meditate on bodhichitta and emptiness. This is what you should try to cultivate too. That’s all I have to say—Tashi Delek.”

The ceremony was concluded with prayers for the flourishing of the Buddha’s teachings, the ‘Words of Truth’ and the verse for the thriving of bodhichitta. His Holiness walked from the temple to the lift smiling and waving to the crowd along the way. In the courtyard he boarded the golfcart once more to ride back to his residence. He looked pleased.

His Holiness presided over a ritual that followed the ‘Manual for Preparing Mani Pills’ compiled by Serkhong Tsenshab Rinpoché. It began with taking refuge in the Three Jewels, the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, generating the awakening mind and the four immeasurable wishes. The names of those who had sponsored the ceremony were announced. The ritual then continued with an offering to the visualized deities of an ablution, prayers to the lamas of the lineage, and the participants’ self-generation as Avalokiteshvara.

After a long series precious objects had been offered in order that the desired aim be accomplished, prayers were addressed to Avalokiteshvara. A thread extended from the heart of the presiding master, His Holiness, to the collection of ‘mani’ pills arranged in a mandala pavilion before the Wati Sangpo statue enabled the flow of blessings. At this point the entire congregation joined together in reciting Om mani padmé hung. The recitation concluded with the 100-syllable mantra, the Prayer for His Holiness’s Long Life by His Two Tutors, the Prayer of the Words of Truth, the single verse prayer for His Holiness’s long life and the prayer for the flourishing of the awakening mind:

May the precious, supreme awakening mind
Arise in those in whom it has not yet arisen;
And where it has arisen may it not decrease
But ever increase more and more.

Before leaving the temple, His Holiness stepped up to bless the ‘mani’ pills, salute the Wati Sangpo statue and the image of the Buddha. As he walked towards the lift and rode in the golfcart through the courtyard to his residence he spotted familiar faces in the crowd, smiled broadly and waved to them.

Dhondup Tsering, Director of TIPA offered a mandala and representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha. He presented TIPA’s annual written report to His Holiness and gave a short introductory talk.

“Since you were born in Tibet, the teaching has spread around the world. You are the compassionate one, Avalokiteshvara, may you live long. This year, which marks your 90th birthday, we’d like to present a series of songs from the Lhamo operas as part of our offering to you.”

Each of the opera troupes had two minutes to perform a song. In each case, one singer stood up to the microphone and took the lead, their soaring, emotionally stirring voice prompting a chorus in which the entire gathering took part, filling the courtyard with song.

Students from the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) Chauntra sang about offering incense from juniper trees that grow behind the monastery, its fragrance reaching the heavens. Students from Upper TCV, Dharamsala, declared they would sing to show that the sun in the east will shine more brightly and times will be happier in the coming year.

The song by students of the Tibetan Homes Foundation Mussoorie noted how fortunate we are that the Omniscient One is seated on the throne and a joyful sun shines on the world. Members of the Kollegal troupe gave a short presentation of the life of the Buddha. The Bylakuppé troupe’s performance came from the Lhamo opera Drowa Sangmo and referred to two friends sitting together comparing their dreams.

Performers from Paonta chanted a short prayer for His Holiness’s long life, then sang about the snow-lion that has long been parted from its native mountains. Members of the Mundgod troupe paid their respects to His Holiness. In their song they wished that beings from all six realms of existence be freed from suffering and reach liberation. The group from Bhandara repeated the lines about the Omniscient One seated on the throne and the sun shining on the world.

Artistes from the Chaksampa troupe based in the USA sang a couplet praising prostration to the Lamas and offerings of song to the Sages.

Members of the troupe from Odisha addressed His Holiness and proclaimed, “You are an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the leader of Tibet. May the sun of happiness shine and may you live long.” They were followed by singers from Kalimpong.

The troupe from Mainpat wished His Holiness good health and sang the last two lines of the one verse prayer for his long life:

“Tenzin Gyatso, Lord Chenrezig
May you live until the cycle of existence comes to an end.”

The verse sung by artistes from Nepal offered prostration to the Lamas and paid homage to the Three Jewels. Finally, members of TIPA wished His Holiness “Tashi Delek” and sang words of farewell while praying to meet again next year.

“Your songs and dances have reminded me of times at Norbulingka,” His Holiness told the gathering. “You’ve brought back vivid memories of how I used to sit in my room and watch the Lhamo performances outside. And as I watched I would imitate the dancers’ movements.

“Those were happy times, but all that’s changed. However, our Tibetan spirit remains as firm as a mountain. When I visited China, I had a strong sense that I came from the Land of Snow. This is something I can’t forget. I bear the title Dalai Lama, which indicates the responsibility I had for Tibet’s spiritual and temporal affairs.

“As I say, when I was in China, I was strongly reminded that I am a Tibetan. Mao Zedong complimented me, but I didn’t try to flatter him—I observed him carefully. He told me that Tibetans were strong, dedicated, sincere, stable people. I think these qualities reflect Tibetans’ unflinching spirit.

“On my way to China I passed through Do-tö and Do-mé where people expressed their respect for and faith in the Dalai Lama. Wherever I met Tibetans, I would teach them. I felt very moved to have this opportunity and the people listening to me shed tears too, reflecting the strong bond that exists between them, the teaching and the Dalai Lama. This kind of dedication has existed since the time of King Songtsen Gampo. We have had special links with the Chinese, but, at the same time, a strong sense that we are Tibetans.

“Our dedication to our cause is strong and unwavering and we find this spirit, this strong sense of identity, among Tibetans wherever they are, whether in Tibet, India or elsewhere.

“Regardless of the current situation, I am confident that ultimately our struggle will produce a positive result.

“As someone who bears the title Dalai Lama, I don’t just pay attention to political affairs, I also take psychology into account. My main practice is to cultivate love and compassion, as well as the view of emptiness, but my brain also has room for science—this is something scientists admire. We can explore Buddhist psychology, understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions, with reason and logic. As a consequence, when Mao praised me, I was able to listen and be quietly critical of what he said and his views.

“Tibetans of the three provinces have maintained their identity. In their hearts, their view and conduct remain the same. Like them, I am determined to keep our Tibetan spirit, culture and religion alive. The explanations we have of the Perfection of Wisdom are powerful. The way we examine them logically means they can be compared to and combined with modern studies.

‘This profound heritage has come down to us from the religious kings. We have kept the traditions they introduced alive. Tibetan practitioners and scholars have preserved them. And because they deal with psychology, they’re timeless. That’s all I have to say. Tashi Delek.”

Every one of the Sho-tön artists then lined up to file past His Holiness and receive his blessings. When that was done, His Holiness climbed into a golf cart to ride back to his residence. The entire congregation sang for him as he passed by:

“Tenzin Gyatso, Lord Chenrezig
May you live until the cycle of existence comes to an end.”

They concluded with a line about how joyful it is to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and they continued to sing for some time after that.

“I am very happy to have met several of your predecessors and enjoyed friendly conversations with them,” he wrote. “Over more than four decades, I have also participated in meaningful exchanges with representatives of different religious traditions, my Christian brothers and sisters among them. With a firm belief in the oneness of humanity, I consider promoting inter-religious harmony to be one of the principal commitments of my own life. Indeed, I was very moved to have taken part in the major inter-faith meeting organized by Pope John Paul II in Assisi in 1986.

“In a period when the world is witnessing so many challenges, your election brings new hope not just to the Catholic community, but to people everywhere who are seeking a happier life in a more compassionate, peaceful world.”

His Holiness concluded his letter with his prayers and good wishes.

Having ridden up to the temple floor in the lift His Holiness stopped to survey and wave to members of the gathering. Next, he stepped into the Kalachakra temple to view the sand mandala being constructed there in preparation for the Kalachakra ritual of offering and practice being performed this month.

Once His Holiness had taken his seat on the throne in the temple the prayers began. The ceremony today was based on the ‘Method for Granting the Essence (of Immortality) based on an Amitayus Ritual’ by the Great Fifth Dalai Lama. It was presided over by Ven. Samdhong Rinpoché. To his right sat the Abbot of Gyumé Monastery, while to his left were the Abbot of Shang Gaden Chökhorling Monastery and the young reincarnations of Dromo Geshé Rinpoché, Geshé Lhundup Sopa and the former Abbot of Sé-Gyu Monastery.

The Amitayus Ritual included this repeated refrain: “The time has come, please grant the spiritual accomplishment of immortal life.” After flourishing the long-life arrow with its silken banner, Samdhong Rinpoché presented it to His Holiness. A large ritual cake was offered as the single verse prayer for long life composed by His Holiness at Dilgo Khyentsé Rinpoché’s request was intoned.

A mandala offering depicting the universe, along with representations of the body, speech and mind—a statue, a scripture and a chörten, was presented to His Holiness with a request for him to remain among us for hundreds of aeons, continuing to turn the wheel of Dharma. This was followed by offerings of the nectar of longevity, long-life pills, the eight auspicious symbols, the seven royal emblems and the eight auspicious substances.

The prayer for His Holiness’s long life by Jamyang Khyentsé Chökyi Lodro and that composed by his two tutors were recited. The Abbot of Shang Gaden Chökhorling Monastery offered a thanksgiving mandala. The ceremony came to a conclusion with recitations of a ‘Prayer to Buddha Amitayus’, the ‘Prayer for the Flourishing of the Teaching’ and ‘Verses of Auspiciousness’.

His Holiness addressed the congregation: “So, here today, members of the Shang Gaden Chökhorling Monastery, a group from the Chatreng Community, as well as the Phari Community have offered these prayers for my long life. Your dedication and sincerity are without doubt—I thank you.

“I was born in Kumbum, in Amdo. Then I came to Lhasa and because I have the title Dalai Lama, I’ve been able to make a positive contribution to the teaching and the welfare of beings. The Chinese were wary of me, but then I came into exile in India. Everywhere in this great land, from north to south, to east and west, tens of thousands of people come to see me regularly. The people of India, whether they have faith in the Buddha Dharma or not, appreciate what I’ve been doing. They’re delighted to see me. So, I feel that the longer I live, the better I’ll be able to serve sentient beings and the Dharma.

“I have good, strong connections with people throughout India. In China, Buddhism is gaining ground and I feel I may be able to make some contribution to the flourishing of the teaching there too. So, I hope to be able to help people through sharing what the Buddha taught.

“Having been born as a Tibetan and recognised as the Dalai Lama according to the indications in the surface of the oracular lake Lhamo Latso, I’ve been able to serve the Buddha Dharma. I believe I’ll be able to serve the Dharma and repay the kindness of the Buddha for several decades more. I’ve done my best so far.

“I’m someone who came from Siling and reached Lhasa, holding the title of Dalai Lama. When I was in Lhasa, sitting on a high throne, I didn’t have much contact with other people, but I studied and later took exams at the Three Great Seats of Learning, Sera, Drepung and Ganden. I sat for my final examination in the Jokhang in Lhasa during the Great Prayer Festival. I’ve done what I could and studied to the best of my ability. One of my most important teachers was my debating assistant Ngodrup Tsognyi who was very kind to me. That’s all I have to say—Tashi Delek.”

As he walked from the temple to the lift and then drove through the courtyard, well-wishers lining the way were happy to catch His Holiness’s eye as he waved to them, a joyful smile on his face.

“Since my childhood I have felt a special affinity for the people of Germany,” he wrote. “Over the years, I have visited your country many times and deeply appreciate the support that people in Germany have shown for the Tibetan people’s nonviolent struggle to achieve freedom and dignity, and their interest in my efforts to promote human values such as compassion, the oneness of our humanity and inter-religious harmony.

“Today, the world is facing many challenges. I am confident that you will provide able leadership through these difficult times. May I add that I have deep admiration for the spirit of the European Union, emphasizing as it does the importance of the greater collective interest and welfare of all its members. I believe this co-operative spirit can be an inspiration to others, contributing to greater peace and prosperity in the world.”

His Holiness wished the Chancellor every success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the German people, and in contributing to the creation of a more compassionate, peaceful world.

“It has been a privilege for me to have been able to visit Australia several times over the years,” he wrote. “The friendship and affection that Australian brothers and sisters have shown me have touched me deeply. I have also been encouraged by their enthusiasm and interest in my efforts to promote the human values of loving kindness, compassion, a sense of oneness of humanity and closer inter-religious harmony.

“I take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the Australian government and its people for their interest in and support for the Tibetan people’s freedom and dignity.

“I wish you every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the Australian people.”

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

“During my visits to Canada over the years,” he wrote, “I have been deeply touched by the warmth of the friendship and affection that Canadians have shown me. I also take it as a great privilege to be an honorary Canadian citizen myself. I am an admirer of Canada, a multicultural society which enjoys a vibrant democracy.

“As I have mentioned to your predecessors, I would like to express my gratitude to the government and people of Canada for your continued support and assistance to the Tibetan people.

“I wish you every success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Canada and in contributing to global peace and stability.”

His Holiness concluded by offering his prayers and good wishes.

“His Holiness Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others,” he added, “consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”

A memorial service is being held by the Tibetan community at the Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple, here in Dharamsala.

His Holiness closed his letter, “With my prayers.”

Once His Holiness had taken his seat, Serkhong Rinpoché offered him a mandala and representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha. He then sat down to His Holiness’s right next to a small boy who is the reincarnation of the former Abbot of Tabo. A group representing the people of Spiti carried a series of offerings past the throne. The entire gathering recited the prayer for His Holiness’s long life composed by his two tutors, Ling Rinpoché and Trijang Rinpoché.

Addressing the monastics and lay-people seated before him, His Holiness began:

“My Dharma friends, what I want to tell you is that when I came into exile in India, I discovered there were communities of people in the North-west regions of the country who placed their faith and trust in me. People in Tibet have a devout trust in me and you people from Spiti and the Transhimalayan region have shown a similar dedication and helped me where you can. You are loyal and devoted.

“I have the name Dalai Lama, which by itself doesn’t mean very much, but since I was recognized as a child, I have studied Awareness and Knowledge (Tib. lo rig) and Signs and Reasoning (Tib. ta rig)—logic and reasoning—as well as the Perfection of Wisdom and Middle Way philosophy. Then came Higher Knowledge (Abhidharma), which I found difficult because much of what it contains cannot be verified. Next, I studied Vinaya and after that, Tantra.

“I have found that Buddhism has a great deal to offer in terms of understanding the workings of the mind and how to tackle our emotions. My faith in the Buddha is founded on understanding what he taught. Because of this I meditate on the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the view of emptiness every morning as soon as I wake.

“What’s more, whenever I can I advise people to be kind and explain how things are empty of inherent existence.

“In China people have faith, but they don’t study very much. This is why I think our Tibetan tradition could help interested Chinese people understand Buddhism better.

“Those of you who take an interest in the teaching of the Buddha may know that it is not so much about prayers and recitations. What we need to do is study. Then, when we understand how the teaching works, we have faith based on knowledge.

“Today, you people from Spiti, and particularly the region around Tabo, have offered prayers for my long life. I believe that what makes such prayers effective doesn’t depend on saying prayers for a week, but on whether you make the prayer from the depth of your heart. This is where I live and you’ve come here for the explicit purpose of making prayers that I will live long. You’ve done so with a strong sense of affection and respect and I thank you.”

His Holiness remarked that the many people gathered before him had asked if he might give a brief teaching. He recalled that the Buddha, moved by the suffering of others, gave up his comfortable royal life and engaged in austerities in search of a solution. Ultimately, he attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya, an accomplishment much more significant than achieving simple satisfaction in this life alone.

His Holiness announced that he would conduct a short ceremony generate the awakening mind of bodhichitta. He noted that the people before him had gathered out of single-pointed faith and that the bond between them and him was strong.

“I am a follower of the Buddha,” he observed, “a Buddhist monk. I received ordination as a novice and then as a bhikshu (a fully ordained monk) in front of the Jowo statue in Lhasa. I am a sincere follower of the Buddha, someone who strongly identifies with being a Buddhist monk. I observe the three vows, the individual emancipation, bodhisattva and tantric vows.

“Not so long ago, I was in a temple where I had a vision of the Buddha before me. He beckoned and I approached. He seemed pleased with me and patted me on the head. I had only a single chocolate to offer him which he accepted. However, I felt that by keeping the three vows and teaching others, I had made an offering of practice to the Buddha.

“Similarly, you have offered these prayers for my long life, not out of any sense of obligation, but because you really wish I will live long. This is a true long-life offering and I’m happy to accept it.

“The essence of the Dharma is bodhichitta and to generate it now please repeat these lines three times after me:

I go for refuge until I am enlightened
To the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Supreme Assembly,
In order to fulfil the aims of myself and others
I develop the awakening mind.

“The Buddha explained that things appear in certain ways, but they do not actually exist the way they appear. If you analyse everything that appears to you, you’ll find none of them exist in and of themselves. Things do not exist from their own side; they exist only by way of designation.

“If you look at me you can ask is the Dalai Lama in my head, my forehead, my upper torso, my legs? None of these are the Dalai Lama. He is neither the parts of his body nor his voice. The Dalai Lama exists by way of designation on these parts. That things exist only by way of designation is the most powerful teaching of the Buddha. However, our unruly minds tend to cling on to the idea that things exist as they appear.

“If you don’t find me among the parts of my body, does that mean I don’t exist? No, but analysis reveals that I exist only by way of designation.”

His Holiness then asked the congregation to repeat after him as he gave transmission of the mantras of the Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Tara and Padmasambhava.

To conclude the long-life ceremony, a group of women from Tabo, each wearing a green Spiti cloak, sang verses of auspiciousness to His Holiness who turned to face them and listened carefully. He then stepped down to sit in the midst of the crowd while photographs were taken of them altogether.

Next, His Holiness took the lift up to the main temple where a group of monks belonging to Namgyal Monastery were performing rituals invoking Vajrakilaya or Dorjé Phurba. They have been doing this for several days, having already created a mandala and a requisite array of ritual cakes, in order to consecrate pills that will later be made available to the public. His Holiness sat on a chair in front of the throne and took part in the recitations for about a quarter of an hour.

Subsequently he left the temple, rode the lift down to the courtyard and walked to the electric golf cart that would take him home, smiling and waving to members of the crowd as he went.

The ceremony offered today was based on an Amitayus ritual entitled ‘One Life, One Vase’. Among a gathering of an estimated 5000 people, the Drukpa Kagyu group of monks, nuns and tokdens—monks who spend their lives in meditation retreat—numbered just over 300. They sat in the middle of the temple. Members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile sat down the side of the temple to His Holiness’s left, while Secretaries of the Central Tibetan Administration sat down the side to his right. Serving and former Kalöns sat to the left of the throne and to the right sat Trulshik Rinpoché, Gyutö Khensur, Segyu Khenpo, the Tashi Lhunpo Khenpo and the Drepung Loseling Khensur.

The ceremony began with the ‘Prayer of the Three Continuums’, the chanting led by a male and female chantmaster, who were supported by the steady rhythm of cymbals, horns and drums.

Tea and sweet rice were served to the gathering.

A table was set up in front of the throne on which were placed five ritual cakes coloured white, yellow, red, green and blue. Five monks dressed as dakinis (Skyfarers) entered the temple wearing elaborate silk brocade robes and five-leafed crowns. They gathered in front of the throne where they danced. The purpose of this part of the ceremony was to deflect the dakinis from their wish to take the Lama to their pure lands. After being offered verses and presented with a ritual cake that serves as kind of ransom, one by one, the dakinis circled the throne and left the temple.

The prayers continued including such lines as, “Please bless the Lama to live long; May the Lama live for 100 aeons.” The Seven-limb Prayer from the Samantabhadra Prayer was recited. Thuksey Rinpoché came forward to present His Holiness with a red and blue hat like a beret that derives from an episode in the life of Tsangpa Gyaré who founded the Drukpa lineage. His Holiness put it on.

Thuksey Rinpoché, Tulku Sangyé Dorjé and Gyarawa Rinpoché made an offering of a large mandala to His Holiness, which was followed by offerings of representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha, a vajra, bell, damaru and phurba and other symbols. A procession of individuals bearing auspicious symbols, gifts of books, fabric, grain and so forth filed through the temple.

Prayers were made for His Holiness’s long life were made stating, “There is no other Pure Land like this, please remain here. There is no other throne like this, firm as Mt Meru, please remain here.”

As the ceremony came to an end Thuksey Rinpoché presented the Eight Auspicious Substances to His Holiness followed by long-life pills and the nectar of longevity. After requesting forbearance for any errors or ommissions, the virtue of the ritual was dedicated in order that all sentient beings may complete the two accumulations of merit and wisdom in order that they may achieve the bodies of a Buddha. There was a recitation of the ‘Prayer for the Flourishing of the Dharma’, which His Holiness composed.

He addressed the assembly:

“Today, members of the Drukpa Kagyu have offered this Long-life Offering. As I was on my way here I felt glad and curiously elated to be attending this ceremony. You have been doing well serving the Buddhadharma so I felt happy to be here today. When we pray for the Dharma to flourish, it’s not about building monasteries and temples, it’s about our own practice, about gaining confidence in our practice. Practice isn’t about external developments. It involves studying the content of the Three Baskets, the Three Collections of Teachings, and the realization of that is what we mean by flourishing of the Dharma.

“I’ve studied, engaged in debate and employed logic. I’ve studied the Perfection of Wisdom, Middle View and so forth, under the guidance of my teachers. You too can study the Dharma and feel imbued with the teaching. It’ll make you feel happy. That’s how I’ve lived my life. You too can engage in the practice of the Three Trainings and, if you can also reflect on the meaning of emptiness until you get some kind of feeling for it, some sense of the taste of it, you will have peace of mind.

“Overcoming obstacles isn’t necessarily about something external to us. If you are able to take into account the practice of bodhichitta and emptiness, whatever difficulties you face, you won’t feel discouraged or despondent, your heart will be filled with joy.

“When it comes to preserving the Dharma, like the Indian masters who are known as the Six Ornaments and Two Supremes we are followers of the Dharma, followers of the Buddha himself. The Buddha’s enlightened activity, particularly his teaching, can be viewed from many angles. It’s vast and open not something narrow and limited.

“When it comes to the ‘Treasury of Higher Knowledge” (Abhidharmakosha) and its description of cosmology, I don’t know what Vasubandhu would say if he were here today (and able to learn from science). However, I have memorized the ‘Ornament for Clear Realization’ (Abhisamayalankara), ‘Entering into the Middle View’ (Madhyamakavatara), the ‘Commentary on Valid Cognition’ (Pramanavartika). These books are very good, very useful, because of their critical analysis of the nature of things.

“When modern scientists take interest in the workings of the mind and emotions, they turn to us to learn about what we have to say about these things and they are appreciative. They are not interested in the religious aspect of the teachings of the Buddha, but in how Buddhist science explains the workings of the mind and emotions. We have significant and meaningful discussions.

“So, as followers of the Buddha, we too should learn about the mind and emotions. When the Buddha was alive, there was a fourfold Sangha. The entire community was suffused with calm and peace. If we can emulate that it will benefit us and be good for the Dharma as a whole. It will inspire others to be peaceful too.

“As a follower of the Buddha, as soon as I wake in the morning I meditate on the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the view of emptiness. I find this relaxing. It gives me peace of mind. And when I give teachings drawn from the Three Baskets, people appreciate it.

“Without talking about past and future lives, I try to tell people how to develop peace of mind in this world, here and now, by developing understanding of our minds and emotions—and many people appreciate that, especially modern scientists such as neuroscientists and psychologists.

“When it comes to the Dharma, you should study and learn about the teachings then develop experience of what you’ve learned within yourself so you can then share it with others.” A ripple of applause ran through the temple.

“I thank the Drukpa Kagyu for offering these prayers for my long life. I do my best with a sincere heart to benefit others. Of course, when we make prayers, with a sincere heart and dedication to the well-being of others, they will bear fruit.”

“I offer my condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones and pray for all those in Myanmar and neighbouring countries such as Thailand who have been affected by this tragedy,” he wrote.

“Meanwhile, it is heartening to know that in addition to UN agencies, countries, such as India are, sending humanitarian aid to help the relief efforts in the quake zones.

“As a token of my solidarity with the people of Myanmar I have asked the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama to offer a donation through appropriate channels towards the rescue and relief efforts.”

His Holiness’s message concluded with his prayers.