His Holiness, who was riding in a golf-cart, disembarked from it under the canopy that covers the courtyard and so avoided the rain. As he walked to his seat in the veranda below the temple, he happily acknowledged people greeting him on either side.

The estimated crowd of 7000 were gathered in three venues, the Kalachakra Temple and the Tsuglagkhang, the courtyard, as well as Kirti Gompa and the nearby parking lot. All were packed.

At the head of the courtyard, His Holiness was greeted by Sakya Gonma Rinpoché, the Ganden Tri Rinpoché, Sakya Trizin, Taglung Matrul Rinpoché, other eminent Lamas and members of other Buddhist traditions. Among the guests were representatives of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Baha’i, Judaism, Jainism and Sikhism, who also came forward to greet him.

Kirti Rinpoché read an extensive tribute to His Holiness in Tibetan entitled ‘A Melodious Symphony of Thunderous Clouds’. It recalled that when both the tradition of incomparable Shakyamuni Buddha and the prosperity of Tibet faced destruction, His Holiness took birth according to his predecessor, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama’s aspiration in Taktser, a place close to Kumbum Monastery. He was recognized as the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and enthroned in the Potala palace. In due course, he took responsibility for Tibet’s spiritual and temporal affairs.

Eventually he was compelled to seek refuge in India. Since then, taking non-violence as his principal objective, he has worked to foster peace and harmony in the world, in connection with which he has firmly advocated demilitarization and the dismantling of nuclear weapons.

His Holiness has advised that in seeking a happy life inner peace is more effective than material well-being.

In trying to resolve the Tibetan people’s quest for freedom he has proposed a Middle Way Approach that seeks mutual benefit through dialogue.

He has clearly demonstrated that Tibetan Buddhism derives from and preserves the authentic Nalanda tradition.

By promoting love, compassion, contentment, patience, and moral discipline and pointing out that cultivating these qualities is the essential teaching of all religions, His Holiness has encouraged mutual respect and admiration across the world's faith traditions and established bridges between them. In this way he has shown himself to be a peerless teacher leading the world towards peace.

Kirti Rinpoché then announced the following: “On this auspicious day, the fifth day of the fifth month of the Wood-Snake Year, in the presence of the great spiritual leaders of Tibet, a representative of the Chinese Buddhist tradition, representatives of the Theravada traditions from India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Burma, as well as representatives from Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Baha'i, Judaism, Jainism, Sikhism and other religious traditions, and the three pillars of Tibetan democracy, the faithful people of the three provinces of Tibet pay homage to you through ourthree doors of body, speech, and mind.

“Allow us to present you a special award. At its base is a long-life vase symbolizing that you remain in the nature of Buddha Amitayus (the Buddha of longevity). Above the vase is a white lotus revealing that although you have appeared in the world, you remain unaffected by its flaws. Upon the lotus is the globe showing that you have chosen this earth to be your domain of enlightened activity. Atop the globe is a seat of sun and moon representing the illumination of the path of the union of emptiness and compassion. On this seat, in the nature of Avalokiteshvara in the guise of a saffron-robed monk, is the “Peerless Spiritual Teacher of the Twenty-first Century”—Your Holiness—standing with your two hands joined in prayer, gazing upon all beings with love and compassion.

“We offer this memento made of precious gold and silver to you, Your Holiness, to symbolize the numerous auspicious connections between you and us, the teacher and disciples. We offer it with joy, faith, delight, and devotion to honour you—the incomparable Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama—as "The Peerless Teacher of the Twenty-First Century". Please bless us under your compassionate gaze.”

The award as described above was presented to His Holiness by the Tibetan spiritual leaders, members of the Tibetan administration and representatives of other religious traditions who were linked together holding an unusually long white silk scarf.

Kirti Rinpoché, Kasur Jetsun Pema and Kasur Thubten Lungrig then offered a mandala and three representations of the body, speech and mind of the Buddha to His Holiness. Prayers for his long life were conducted focussing on the Song of Immortality—the extensive prayer by his two tutors. This prayer includes 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.

Tea and ceremonial sweet rice were served. Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Thubten Lungrig addressed the congregation.

“On this special occasion, we have gathered here to honour His Holiness with the title “Peerless Teacher of the 21st Century”. We have recited ‘manis’ and Tara prayers, we have saved lives and cleaned the environment on his behalf. Meanwhile, Kirti Monastery has conducted a week of rituals for His Holiness’s long life.

“When we from Dhomey celebrated his 80th birthday, His Holiness told us we should do so again when he reached 90. This time we have invited representatives of the world’s religions to join us in the offerings we have made.

“We request His Holiness to live long for the benefit of all sentient beings and the Dharma. We ask you to care for us until we too are enlightened. With regard to the statement made in 2011 concerning his reincarnation, since the bond between Avalokiteshvara and the Tibetan people is strong we request that His Holiness will continue to reincarnate. We pray that we will celebrate his 100th birthday in Tibet.”

His Holiness was invited to speak.

“Here we are today on my 90th birthday,” he began. “Although I am now 90 years old, I’m physically healthy and well. All these years I’ve worked for the good of Tibetans and the Dharma. I’ve also established links with people around the world and engaged in useful discussions with scientists. My life has been worthwhile. I’ve visited many other countries and met all kinds of people. I feel my life as a human being has been of benefit to the people of the world and I dedicate the rest of my life to the benefit of others.

“As far as the institution of the Dalai Lama is concerned, there will be a framework for it to continue. I was born in Dhomey and moved to Lhasa where I was able to study. As I already said, I think I have been able to serve the Dharma and sentient beings and I am determined to continue to do so.”

His Holiness was presented with a Tibetan birthday cake and he was offered a slice that he ate. He then uncovered and blessed two thangkas depicting his multitude of meaningful deeds. The Supreme Justice Commissioner Yeshe Wangmo released a three-volume biography of His Holiness. The Speaker, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel released a pictorial book illustrating His Holiness’s life. Finally, Sikyong Penpa Tsering released a two-volume compendium of articles and poems celebrating His Holiness’s achievements.

In several songs and a poetic exposition performed for his birthday, tribute was paid to His Holiness’s four commitments and to his having brought the Nalanda tradition back to India. There were dances by groups from U-tsang, Dho-tö and Dhomey provinces. A closing song and dance proclaimed today a day of happiness and joy.

The Vice-chair of the Organizing Committee presented a financial report of the event. She stated that donations had been received from 17 countries from 40 major donors and 125 others. She announced that any remaining balance of funds raised would be donated to the Dalai Lama Centre for Tibetan and Ancient Indian Wisdom in Bodhgaya.

She concluded by praying for His Holiness’s long and healthy life—wishing that he may continue to be the world’s guiding light and that peace and harmony flourish throughout the world.

Secretary General of the Organizing Committee, Chödak Gyatso gave a vote of thanks. He thanked His Holiness for accepting their offerings and requests as they celebrated nine decades of his remarkable life.

“Thank you everyone who has been able to attend this celebration,” he continued, “meanwhile we remember our brothers and sisters in Tibet who don’t have the opportunity to participate with us and who’s freedom to access this event by other means has been curtailed.”

As His Holiness returned to his residence, the expression on his face, and those of the members of the crowd he passed, was full of joy.

“As you know, after being forced to flee Tibet following the Tibetan people's uprising against the PRC authorities in March 1959, I have spent the major part of my life in India,” he wrote. “I therefore feel a special closeness to this country. Over and above its being the most populous country in the world, and the largest democracy, India has a vast resource of ancient wisdom. I believe that if this is combined with modern education it will make a beneficial contribution to greater peace and happiness in the world.

“On my part, I am specifically committed to encouraging a deeper awareness of the profound, ancient Indian understanding of the workings of our mind and emotions. This, I believe lays the basis for achieving peace of mind and developing a warm heart. It can also help us overcome such destructive emotions as anger, fear and hatred that undermine our ability to create a peaceful, more compassionate world.

“As Tibetans, we are deeply indebted to the Government and people of India for the warm hospitality they have shown us for more than 66 years. We are also most grateful for the generous support we have received in our endeavours to protect and preserve our Buddhist culture that is founded on India's age-old values of karuna and ahimsa.”

His Holiness concluded by wishing the President happiness, good health and success in leading this great country.

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, and presided over by the Sharpa Chöjé Rinpoché and the Abbot of Sera Mé, 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.