Paris, 1 October 2025: A rare travelling exhibition highlighting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s legacy of wisdom and compassion has concluded in France. The forty-seven roll up panels offered visitors a deep dive into His Holiness’ the life and teachings.

The exhibition jointly organised by France Goton Committee and the Office of Tibet Paris and hosted by the Khan Anh and Pho Hien Pagodas located in Evry and Strasbourg respectively drew over 4500 visitors in less than two weeks. Both the pagodas are attached to the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation and maintain a close relationship with the Offices of Tibet in Paris and Brussels.

Both exhibition openings were attended by distinguished guests, notably Stephan Beaudet, Mayor of Evry, Jacques Guyard, former Minister and Mayor of Evry, Jean-Philippe Maurer, Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg and Patrick-Edouard Bloch, son of former Emperor of Vietnam.

The event was made even more special by the participation of a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks from Gyuto monastery led by Venerable Tenzin Penpa  his association Terre du Coeur – Kun Phen Ling. The visiting monks created a Chenresig sand mandala for His Holiness’ long life, adding a profound spiritual dimension.

The mandala became one of the most memorable aspects of the exhibition. Over several days, the monks meticulously constructed the sand mandala, symbolizing peace, impermanence, and the interconnectedness of all cultures. Visitors were captivated by the intricate process, watching in awe as the monks worked with meditative focus. The completed mandala, a stunning work of art, was ceremoniously dismantled in a symbolic gesture that reminded everyone of the transient nature of life. This act not only added spiritual depth to the exhibition but also sparked conversations on the importance of peace and mindfulness in our modern world.

The event also featured performances by the France based Tibetan Community showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Tibet.

Tibetan Tantric Choir by Gyuto monks, showcased sacred music, chanting and performances of healing and peace. The presence of the Tibetan monks and the completion of the mandala were especially popular topics of discussion, with many attendees expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to witness such a unique cultural exchange.

Although His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s physical presence was missed at both the venues, his spiritual presence was deeply felt. The most Venerable Thich Tanh Thiêt and Thich Nhu Diên, Presidents of Khanh Anh pagoda and Venerable Abbess Superior Thich Nu Nhu Quang, Director of Pho Hien Pagoda paid their deep respects to His Holiness on behalf of the Vietnamese Buddhists in honor of his 90th birthday and the global observance of the Year of Compassion.

Both events provided an opportunity for the French, Tibetan, and Vietnamese communities to come together to celebrate the life and teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, spreading his message of compassion, cultural preservation, and universal responsibility.

With the success of these exhibitions, the France Goton Committee and the Office of Tibet, Paris, are looking forward to organising more similar events in the future, continuing to promote His Holiness’ vision across France.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels