Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has issued a message of gratitude to all those who conveyed their warm wishes on the occasion of his 91st birthday, which was published on the official website of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The message reads:

I would like to thank you all for your greetings on my 91st birthday. As I mentioned 9to those gathered here in Leh, Ladakh, India on 6 July, when I look back on my life, I see that the core of my practice has been to be of benefit to others. That is the altruistic motivation with which I wake up every day.

Spreading compassion and kindness continues to be my life’s primary mission. Such an attitude is essential to making our world a better place for everyone. I therefore call on my brothers and sisters everywhere, both young and old, to practice warm-heartedness and compassion, with genuine concern for the well-being of others. To be able to do so is, I believe, what it means to lead a meaningful and purposeful life of service.

As you may be aware, following a successful medical procedure on my left knee in New Delhi last month, I have since been recuperating here in Ladakh. As in past years, I find the climate here at this time of year well suited to my health, and I therefore plan to remain in Ladakh for the next several weeks.

With my prayers and good wishes,

DALAI LAMA

8 July 2026