Dharamshala: The Office of Tibet, Latin America in collaboration with Tibet Support Groups in Latin America organised a virtual celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 85th birthday this Sunday. The virtual celebration hosted on Youtube was joined by over 514 people from 7 countries across Latin America.
The introductory remarks were conveyed by Director and Founder Tony Karam, Casa Tíbet México who expressed his happiness in joining the joyous celebrations of His Holiness’ birthday together with Tibetans, friends and supporters from all across Latin America.
He shared that Casa Tibet México was also engaged in celebrations, noting the special connection it holds with Tibet and the Dalai Lama.
“We celebrate the 85th birthday of His Holiness, its sense of sanctity, a historical event, especially because you are still in exceptionally good health and extraordinarily active; still lucid person involved with all the various commitments in that we will be talking about throughout tonight,” said Tony Karam.
“We have with us a great community of friends, many who have worked for decades in favour of Tibet and in close proximity to the Dalai Lama, his ideals and on different projects.”
Speaking next, Representative of Office of Tibet, Latin America, Mr Jigme Tsering delivered the statement of the Kashag on the occasion. He also extended greetings to all the participants joining the special celebration.
As a special gift for the viewers, a video message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama was screened through the live event.
Geshe Sherab Choephel, Director of Drepung Loseling México and Lama Rinchen of the Sakya Monastery in São Paulo, Brazil who also joined the live celebration expressed fervent wishes on His Holiness’ birthday.
They collectively thanked Representative Jigme Tsering for organising the virtual celebration for Tibetans and Latin American friends of Tibet. This was followed by an offering of prayers for His Holiness’ long life.
Celebrating the life of His Holiness, Claudia Bonito from Colombia recounted a brief biography of the Dalai Lama, from his birth in Amdo region in Northwest Tibet in 1935 to being recognised as the reincarnated 14th Dalai Lama and his subsequent move to the official residence away from Taktser to receive training for the highest position. At the age of 16, His Holiness took the reins of the spiritual and political leadership of Tibet during the darkest period in Tibetan history. His Holiness then sought exile in India where he successfully revived the Tibetan religious and cultural heritage and became a globally renowned moral leader.
Speaking on His Holiness’ legacy, Tony Karam said “the world is extremely fortunate to have a personality like His Holiness amidst us in this century, which is due to our collective karma. We see him as the manifestation of the Boddhisattva, his many achievements are a testament to this truth.”
“His impact on humanity can be categorised into four aspects, the human condition of which His Holiness is a great teacher through the legacy of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and his collaboration with scientific research has arrived at the universal truth about the humanity of desiring happiness and avoidance of suffering. He has invested his later part of life to the advancement of this humanitarian cause.”
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZIvEcFpD6M[/embedyt]“Secondly, his contributions as a religious leader to the Tibetan people and the Himalayan region has been profound and no other spiritual leader has done more to promote interfaith harmony. His leadership of the Tibetan cause and people, after the occupation of Tibet which has resulted in the revival of the Tibetan language and culture in exile, and the establishment of the most successful educational systems in exile.”
Celebrating His Holiness vision for secular ethics, Aloma Sellanes from Uruguay noted that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the most transcendent figure and a source of inspiration to many in everyday life, especially in these difficult times.
“He has taught us that the intolerance and conflicts around the world and the destruction of nature is an ethical issue. He has emphasised that instead of religion, secular human values should be developed to benefit our family, friends and the whole community.”
The cake cutting ceremony followed next, by Representative Jigme Tsering in the presence of a Tibetan Buddhist monks.
Latin American friends and wellwishers of His Holiness, decked in Tibetan attires expressed greetings in their native languages.
Dr Elisa Harium Kozasa from Brazil and her husband wished His Holiness a “happy birthday and a long life”.
Costa Rican Tibetan Cultural Association members Karen Villar and Esteban Kong expressed gratitude to His Holiness for “teachings of love and compassion” and offered their deep reverence.
Carlos Bautista from Mexico congratulated His Holiness on 85th birthday and expressed his hope that people are able to “learn from his message of peace” and “Tibetans’ aspiration for freedom is fulfilled very soon”.
Ciro Jaumandreu from Uruguay said, ” May all your wishes come true, and your message of peace spread and germinate in the earth. Happy birthday from Uruguay.”
Fernando Salinas from Chile expressed his appreciation as a ‘Friends of Tibet” member and thanked him for “spiritual support to the Tibetan people throughout these years” and pledged to further strengthen Tibet advocacy around the world.
Francisco Júnior from Brazil, member of Tibet support group in Brazil, spoke about the common ties between Brazilians and Tibetans, with prayers that “Tibet would be free soon and may His Holiness live long” and “the rays of Tibetan cause grow.”
Raymundo from Mexico said, “To be able to count on your sacred presence is a fortune we are blessed with. May you be able to return soon to your homeland of Tibet and the Tibetan people be able to experience that joy.”
Dr Elisa Harium Kozasa from Brazil, “On this special occasion of His Holiness’ birthday, in the current global situation, his teachings about inner peace are especially relevant for the youth. To integrate modern scientific education with spiritual knowledge is essential as His Holiness teaches us. We wish you good health and peace of mind on your birthday.”
Tsering Dorjee Bawa and students from Tipa from San Francisco dedicated a musical performance to His Holiness followed by a solo flute arrangement to evocate sentiments of gratitude to His Holiness and prayers for his long life. An artiste rendered a Tibetan Opera praying for His Holiness’ good health and long life.
The event concluded on a high note with closing remarks from Tony Karam and moderator Tereluz.