This morning, about 5,000 people attended a longevity prayer ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama held by three Tibetan groups at the Chuglakhang in Dharamsala, one of many such offerings that are ongoing in the run-up to His Holiness’ 90th birthday in July this year.
In his speech, the Dalai Lama said he was happy to see people from all over India, whether they believe in Buddhism or not, appreciating his work, many of whom came to see him.
“I have good and strong connections with people from all over India. In China, Buddhism is flourishing and I feel that I may be able to contribute to the flourishing of Buddhism. So, I hope to be able to help people by sharing the teachings of the Buddha,” he said.
This morning’s longevity ceremony was jointly organized by the Shanggar Tendjokling Monastery, Xiangcheng Community and Pari Community in Nepal.
The ceremony was presided over by Samdhong Rinpoche. Other prominent religious figures in attendance included the abbots of Jumei Monastery, Shanganden Chokling Monastery, and the young reincarnations of Domo Geshe Rinpoche, Geshe Lhundrup Sopa, and the former abbot of Serkyu Monastery.
The Dalai Lama has repeatedly stressed that he feels he is in good health and could live to be over 110 years old, and continues to maintain a busy schedule of meetings and receiving a constant stream of visitors and well-wishers.
Just one day before the longevity ceremony, he blessed 360 devotees from all over India and abroad.
On June 4, CST Darjeeling Alumni, the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey (TCNYNJ), and the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM) will jointly hold another longevity prayer ceremony for him.
On June 30, he will participate in a public event to celebrate his 90th birthday (the fifth day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar), when the people of Dome Chokha will hold a short longevity prayer ceremony in the morning at the Tsulakhang.
Later, on July 5, the eve of his 90th birthday, the Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration will hold a longevity prayer ceremony at Chulhakhang on behalf of all Tibetan people.
On July 6, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will attend a public ceremony to celebrate his 90th birthday at Chulhakhang, hosted by the Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration on behalf of all Tibetan people.
