LIVE | Dalai Lama celebrates 90th birthday, says 'I have not wasted my life at all'
The Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations were attended by Kiren Rijiju, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Pema Khandu, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere
The Dalai Lama turns 90 today, July 6. On the eve of his birthday, he appealed to his followers to be compassionate towards everyone and asserted that he will continue to focus on promoting human values and religious harmony.
“I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.
“While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place,” he said in a note.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a wish on X: “I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.”
The Tibetan community in McLeodganj is observing week-long celebrations of the Dalai Lama’s birth anniversary on Sunday with a religious conference, youth forum, film screening and prayers for the long life of the Tibetan spiritual leader.
The Dalai Lama’s birth anniversary celebrations on Sunday are being attended by Cabinet ministers Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Hollywood actor Richard Gere.
Also read:
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- 6 July 2025 4:09 PM IST
'Eternal Light': Dalai Lama's new biography to release in September
Marking his 90th birthday, publishing house Westland Books on Sunday announced a new biography of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Written by senior journalist and author Arvind Yadav, Eternal Light: The Life and Times of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, scheduled to be released in September, chronicles the pivotal moments of the Dalai Lama's remarkable life -- from his childhood in Amdo and recognition as the 14th Dalai Lama, to the Chinese occupation of Tibet, his exile, and his emergence as a global spiritual icon.
"I am grateful for Arvind Yadav’s efforts in making this biography available. This book will allow more readers to gain insight into Tibetan history. It also sheds light on the ongoing challenges our people face, and more importantly, it carries the message I have always sought to spread – one of love, compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, kindness, and the oneness of humanity. It is my hope that 'Eternal Light' will serve as an inspiration to all who seek to cultivate a more compassionate and peaceful world," said the Dalai Lama in a statement.
- 6 July 2025 1:42 PM IST
Tibet hails Dalai Lama's 4 principal commitments
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the president of the Central Tibetan Administration, released a statement by the Kashag, the Cabinet of the Tibetan government-in-exile, and announced a 'Year of Compassion' to be observed by Tibetans and "friends of Tibet" globally.
The statement said that the Dalai Lama's four principal commitments – the promotion of universal human values, religious harmony, preservation of Tibetan culture and environment, and revival of ancient Indian knowledge – offer unparalleled solutions to the issues of the world.
"In today's world, which faces interconnected crises including violent conflicts, arms races, trade wars, social fragmentation, moral decay, and climate change, these commitments offer unparalleled and indisputable solutions," the statement read.
- 6 July 2025 1:41 PM IST
Dalai Lama: 'I have not wasted my life at all'
Speaking at the birthday ceremony, seated in front of a nine-tier cake, Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso said that it is the love of the people that motivates him to continue on the path of serving all sentient beings.
"So on my part, I reflect on Shantideva's Bodhisattvacharyavatara, the Bodhisattva way of life, considering all sentient beings as my relatives and friends, and I always think of serving all sentient beings to as best of my ability. On this birthday celebrations you have come here with great joy. So thank you," he said.
"The more people, the more joy expressed from their hearts. I also feel inspired because I practise Bodhichitta. Instead of focusing on selfish goals to get people's admiration, my focus on serving others and holding others dearer than myself helps me gather people around and to have their admiration," the Tibetan leader said to a ground full of admirers lined up wall to wall.
The Dalai Lama said that the people did not come for his birthday out of obligation, but with a deep sense of reverence.
"So when I reflect upon my life, I see that I have not wasted my life at all. Having been titled the Dalai Lama I have no pride and arrogance. As a follower of the Buddha, a bhikshu, a monk to serve the public, and to serve the teachings of Buddha are my main practices," he said.
