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India Gazette
08-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Tibetan diaspora in Poland celebrate Dalai Lama's 90th birthday with cultural tribute in Warsaw
Warsaw [Poland], July 8 (ANI): The Tibetan diaspora in Poland commemorated the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama with a peaceful gathering and cultural programme held at Hoza 69, Warsaw, on July 6, according to reports from the Tibetan Association in Poland. The event, attended by around 15-20 people, including five to seven Polish nationals, began with a collective prayer for the long life of the Dalai Lama. Participants offered traditional white scarves, or khatas, as a symbol of respect and spiritual purity. The ceremony reflected the enduring reverence held for the Tibetan spiritual leader among the diaspora and supporters of Tibetan culture and Buddhism in Poland. Organised by the Tibetan Association in Poland, the celebration also featured the introduction of a book titled Voice for the Voiceless, authored by the Dalai Lama. The book was presented by Paulina Koniuch, a Polish student from the University of Warsaw, who emphasised the global relevance of the Dalai Lama's message of compassion and non-violence. A short documentary about Dolma Ling Nunnery in Dharamshala, India, was screened during the event, offering attendees a glimpse into the lives of Tibetan Buddhist nuns and the preservation of monastic education in exile. The term 'Dalai Lama' means 'Ocean of Wisdom' in Mongolian. In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are regarded as incarnations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the 14th Dalai Lama assumed full political authority in 1950 but was forced to flee to India in 1959 following the failed Tibetan uprising. Since then, he has lived in exile in Dharamshala, continuing to promote peace, interfaith dialogue, and the preservation of Tibetan identity. Celebrations marking his birthday were held not only in Poland but across Tibetan communities worldwide. The Tibetan diaspora expressed hope that the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Dalai Lama will continue through a future recognised reincarnation. (ANI)
NDTV
06-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Congress Recalls Dalai Lama's 4-Hour Conversation With Nehru In 1959
New Delhi: As the Dalai Lama turned 90, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday recalled his four-hour conversation with then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in Mussoorie in 1959. Thereafter, the Dalai Lama went on an extended tour of the entire country, Ramesh said. In a post on X, the Congress general secretary said, "The iconic Dalai Lama turns 90 today. He had come to India first during Nov 1956-March 1957 for the 2500th birth anniversary celebrations of the Buddha. His permanent refuge in India began on March 31, 1959." "On April 24, 1959, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Dalai Lama had a conversation in Mussoorie that lasted four hours. Only the Foreign Secretary Subimal Dutt and the interpreters were present," Mr Ramesh said. The iconic Dalai Lama turns 90 today. He had come to India first during Nov 1956-March 1957 for the 2500th birth anniversary celebrations of the Buddha. His permanent refuge in India began on March 31, 1959. On April 24, 1959, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Dalai Lama had a… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 6, 2025 Thereafter the Dalai Lama went on an extended tour of the entire country, he said. Later his establishment came up in Dharamsala followed by Tibetan settlements at various places like Bylakuppe, Mundgod, and Hunsur, Mr Ramesh said. He noted that just four months back, in his book 'Voice for the Voiceless', the Dalai Lama offered fascinating new reflections and revelations on his extraordinary life journey and his struggles. Mr Ramesh also posted a picture of the Dalai Lama-Nehru meeting in 1959. The Dalai Lama is the head of the Tibetan Buddhists and is a hugely respected religious figure across the world.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
As Dalai Lama turns 90, Congress recalls his 4-hour conversation with Nehru in 1959
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As the Dalai Lama turned 90, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday recalled his four-hour conversation with then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in Mussoorie in the Dalai Lama went on an extended tour of the entire country, Ramesh a post on X, the Congress general secretary said, "The iconic Dalai Lama turns 90 today. He had come to India first during Nov 1956-March 1957 for the 2500th birth anniversary celebrations of the Buddha. His permanent refuge in India began on March 31, 1959.""On April 24, 1959, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Dalai Lama had a conversation in Mussoorie that lasted four hours. Only the Foreign Secretary Subimal Dutt and the interpreters were present," Ramesh the Dalai Lama went on an extended tour of the entire country, he his establishment came up in Dharamsala followed by Tibetan settlements at various places like Bylakuppe, Mundgod, and Hunsur, Ramesh noted that just four months back, in his book 'Voice for the Voiceless', the Dalai Lama offered fascinating new reflections and revelations on his extraordinary life journey and his also posted a picture of the Dalai Lama-Nehru meeting in Dalai Lama is the head of the Tibetan Buddhists and is a hugely respected religious figure across the world.
NDTV
06-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
PM Modi Wishes Dalai Lama On 90th Birthday, Prays For His Good Health, Long Life
Dharamsala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the nation in extending greetings to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, with prayers for his continued good health and long life. 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday,' Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X. '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,' he added. 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… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025 Currently, the Prime Minister is in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, visit during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit and undertake a state visit. The Prime Minister's greetings come amid a row over the Dalai Lama's successor plan, with China urging India to 'act cautiously', with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying India should exercise caution in its words and actions and stop interfering in China's internal affairs with Xizang-related issues. Beijing regards the Dalai Lama, who is based in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, as a 'separatist'. It is sensitive to meeting international leaders, attending official functions or visiting places at the invitation of the Indian government. In a strategic shift, Prime Minister Modi in 2021 had made a clear-cut departure from the policies of successive governments of 'making distance' of sorts from the Tibetan spiritual leader by extending greetings to him on his 86th birthday. In that year, making a public announcement by the Prime Minister regarding extending greetings to the Dalai Lama was an important strategic shift from New Delhi as on earlier occasions the government used to avoid such gestures to avoid upsetting China. The 14th Dalai Lama, the Voice for the Voiceless, aims to live for decades more. In the run-up to his 90th birthday, the Nobel Peace Laureate also confirmed he will have a successor, putting to rest speculation over whether the 600-year-old institution will end when he dies. Meanwhile, in celebration of the extraordinary occasion of His Holiness turning 90, the democratically elected Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the representative of Tibetan people both in and outside Tibet that is based in this north Indian hill station, has declared July 2025 to July 2026 will be observed 'The Year of Compassion'. The initiative celebrates His Holiness not only as a spiritual leader but also as a global advocate for peace, compassion, secular ethics, and interfaith harmony, among others. In a birthday-eve message, the Dalai Lama said, 'As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion. I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold.' The Buddhist monk considers himself a son of India. 'All particles in my mind contain thoughts from Nalanda. And it's Indian 'dal' and 'chapati' that have built this body. I am mentally and physically a son of India,' the Dalai Lama, in his addresses, is often quoted as saying. 'India and Tibet share a relationship of 'guru' (teacher) and 'chela' (disciple). When I see some part of my 'guru' being corrupt, as a 'chela' I feel ashamed,' he said. Time and again, a demand from Indian parliamentarians and his believers is being raised that India should confer its highest civilian award -- Bharat Ratna -- on him in recognition of his services to humanity. The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in a small village in the remote Amdo region of Tibet. The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in March 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, believes in a 'middle-way' approach, meaning greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence. The pontiff lives in exile in McLeodganj, a small and quaint hill station in the suburbs of Dharamsala in the northern Indian Himalayas.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
The mystical process of finding Dalai Lama's reincarnation
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has challenged China by announcing that a non-profit institution he has set up, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, will have the sole authority to identify his reincarnation, countering China's insistence that it will choose his successor. Responding to his announcement, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday that his succession through his reincarnation must be approved by China's central government. In his book 'Voice for the Voiceless', released in March 2025, the Dalai Lama said his successor would be born outside China. He wrote that he would release details about his succession around the time of his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama's eagerly awaited statement, made days before the Nobel peace laureate turns 90, puts to rest speculation, started by the Dalai Lama himself, that he may be the last of Tibet 's spiritual leaders, ending a line that stretches back centuries. Addressing via a video message at the inaugural session at the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference at Dharamsala on Wednesday, he assured his followers that upon his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and spelt out a succession process. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Walmart Cameras Captured These Hilarious 20 Photos Undo Also Read: Dalai Lama has challenged the Chinese stratagem The Dalai Lama, who is named Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th in the long line of succession, had to flee from Tibet in 1959 due to a crackdown by Chinese authorities after a failed uprising against the rule of Mao Zedong's Communists. China had invaded and captured Tibet a decade back. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile at Mcleodganj in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, since his escape from Tibet. Live Events The mystical process of identifying Dalai Lama's reincarnation Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated after his death. The Dalai Lama is considered to be the present incarnation of the previous thirteen Dalai Lamas of Tibet (the first having been born in 1391 CE), who are in turn considered to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, holder of the White Lotus , as per the official website of the Dalai Lama. He is also believed to be a manifestation of Chenrezig, in fact the seventy-fourth in a lineage that is traced back to a Brahmin boy who lived in the time of Buddha Shakyamuni. China maintains that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be decided by following national laws that decree the use of the golden urn and the birth of reincarnations within China's borders. The golden urn is a method introduced by the Qing dynasty of China in 1793 for selecting Tibetan reincarnations by drawing lots or tally sticks from a golden urn. But many Tibetans are suspicious of any Chinese role in the selection. It is inappropriate for Chinese Communists, who reject religion, "to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, let alone that of the Dalai Lama," the Dalai Lama has said. In his book, he asked Tibetans not to accept "a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People's Republic of China," referring to the country by its official name. When a Dalai Lama dies, it is believed he will reincarnate to continue his work. The process of finding his reincarnation begins after a period of mourning and rituals. Senior monks and high lamas look for signs that may point to the next reincarnation. These signs may include Dreams or visions and clues left by the Dalai Lama himself, such as the direction he was facing at death or prophetic statements he may have made. An oracle may also be consulted for guidance. After adequate signs have appeared, a search team of high lamas and monks is formed. They travel, often in the direction indicated by the signs, to look for boys born around the time of the Dalai Lama's death who show unusual qualities. Once a potential child is found, a series of tests are conducted. After a thorough investigation and testing, the child may be formally recognised as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. The child is then given a traditional monastic education, often under the guidance of experienced tutors. He is trained in Buddhist philosophy, ritual, and leadership to prepare for his future role. How the current Dalai Lama was found The current Dalai Lama, 14th in the lineage, was born in 1935 in a farming family in a village called Taktser in what is now Qinghai province in the far northwest of China. He was identified as the reincarnation when he was just two years old by a search party sent by the Tibetan government. In 1940, he was officially installed as the spiritual leader of Tibetans in a ceremony at the Potala Palace in Lhasa, now the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The official website of the Dalai Lama gives a vivid account of how the current Dalai Lama was located and identified by lamas. "When Lhamo Thondup was two years old, a search party that had been sent out by the Tibetan government to find the new incarnation of the Dalai Lama arrived at Kumbum monastery. It had been led there by a number of signs. One of these concerned the embalmed body of his predecessor, Thupten Gyatso, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, who had died aged fifty-seven in 1933. During the mummification process, the head was discovered to have turned from facing south to the northeast. Shortly after that the Regent, himself a senior lama, had a vision. Looking into the waters of the sacred lake, Lhamoi Lhatso, in southern Tibet, he clearly saw the Tibetan letters Ah, Ka and Ma float into view. These were followed by the image of a three-storied monastery with a turquoise and gold roof and a path running from it to a hill. Finally, he saw a small house with strangely shaped guttering. He was sure that the letter Ah referred to Amdo, the northeastern province, so it was there that the search party was sent," says the account on the website. "By the time they reached Kumbum, the members of the search party felt that they were on the right track. It seemed likely that if the letter Ah referred to Amdo, then Ka must indicate the monastery at Kumbum, which was indeed three-storied and turquoise-roofed. They now only needed to locate a hill and a house with peculiar guttering. So they began to search the neighbouring villages. When they saw the gnarled branches of juniper wood on the roof of the His Holiness's parent's house, they were certain that the new Dalai Lama would not be far away. Nevertheless, rather than reveal the purpose of their visit, the group asked only to stay the night. The leader of the party, Kewtsang Rinpoche, then disguised himself as a servant and spent much of the evening observing and playing with the youngest child in the house," the website says. "The child recognized him and called out 'Sera lama, Sera lama'. Sera was Kewtsang Rinpoche's monastery. The next day they left, only to return a few days later as a formal deputation. This time they brought with them a number of possessions that had belonged to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, together with several similar items that did not belong to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. In every case, the infant correctly identified those belonging to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama saying, 'It's mine. It's mine'. This more or less convinced the search party that they had found the new incarnation. It was not long before the boy from Taktser was recognized to be the new Dalai Lama," says the website. (With agency inputs)
