Dalai Lama Celebrates 90th Birthday with Calls for Compassion and Altruism
Celebration of the Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday
Dalai Lama Birthday: The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, marked his 90th birthday on Sunday, July 6, with celebrations filled with warmth and joy. The festivities are taking place at the Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, attended by various ministers and dignitaries. Notably, Hollywood actor and practicing Buddhist Richard Gere participated in the celebrations, receiving blessings from the 14th Dalai Lama.
Monks, devotees, and international guests have gathered to honor the life and teachings of His Holiness, who is celebrated globally for his messages of compassion, non-violence, and interfaith harmony.
#WATCH | Dharamshala, HP | At the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama, Hollywood actor and practicing Buddhist, Richard Gere, says, "... We have never seen a human being like him who completely embodies selflessness, love, and wisdom... At a religious conference… pic.twitter.com/Mf76aj10oJ
— Media Channel (@MediaChannel) July 6, 2025
A Message of Compassion and Altruism
Dalai Lama Calls For Compassion And Altruism In Heartfelt Message
On the eve of his birthday, the Dalai Lama shared a heartfelt message with his followers around the world. He expressed gratitude to those celebrating his birthday and emphasized the need for greater compassion and altruism in today's society.
He stated, “On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism.”
Known for his humility, he referred to himself as “just a simple Buddhist monk.” Although he typically does not participate in birthday celebrations, he felt compelled to share a message focused on inner values and global well-being due to the significant attention surrounding his milestone birthday. He stressed the importance of achieving peace of mind through compassion towards all, not just loved ones.
“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,” the Dalai Lama added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to humanity, stating that he will continue to promote values and religious harmony. He highlighted the potential of Indian wisdom and Tibetan culture to contribute positively to the world, as both emphasize peace of mind and compassion.
“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,” the Dalai Lama remarked.
In his message, he quoted Indian Buddhist scholar Shantideva, whose teachings have influenced his spiritual journey.
The quote read as: “As long as space endures,
As long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, may I too remain, to dispel the miseries of the world.”
Born Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Takster, northeastern Tibet, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, and assumed full political authority in 1950 following the Chinese invasion of Tibet.
After fleeing into exile in March 1959 due to the violent suppression of the Tibetan uprising, the Dalai Lama has lived in India alongside over 80,000 Tibetan refugees.
For over six decades, the Dalai Lama has served as a global ambassador of Buddhist philosophy, advocating for peace, non-violence, and compassion.