Shilin, Taiwan: Office of Tibet, Taiwan organised a grand ceremony to celebrate the 88th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in coordination with local Tibetan association and Taiwan Tibetan Buddhist Association in Shilin on 2 July 2023.
The ceremony was presided by chief guest and Vice-Chair of Taiwanese Parliamentary Group for Tibet Hung Sun Han, special guest Lati Rinpoche of Gaden Shartse, and attended by more than 600 people including Taiwanese dignitaries Hung Ruei Rou, longtime Tibet supporter and former member of Legislative Yuan Chen Chieh -ju, President Hu Miao-Hua of Taiwan Tibetan Buddhist Association, President-led executive members of the local Tibetan association, Taiwanese supporters, and the Tibetan community.
Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa informed the gathering about four commitments of His Holiness, the latter’s master and disciple relation with Taiwanese followers, Taiwan’s policy alteration to ease movements for Tibetans.
Chief guest Hung Sun Han expressed his concern over the critical situation of Tibet, and assured his continued support to solving the visa issues of Tibetans living in Taiwan.
Longtime Tibet supporter Chen Chieh -ju addressed the gathering about her support for Tibet and her experience meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.
Following their address, the guests led by Representative Bawa inaugurated the 21st edition of His Holiness’ speeches compiled by translator Lobsang Jamchen and published by the Office of Tibet, Taiwan.
On the following day on 3 July, a brief ceremony was held to mark Zamling Chisang or Universal Prayer day, led by the Office of Tibet, Taiwan’s Buddhist teacher Ven Tenzin Namdrol with around 40 monastics. The restoration of vow ceremony was held at the Office of Tibet’s prayer room.
As is customary to commemorate the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Saturdays and Sundays, Gaden Shartse monastery on 1 July held its Rolyang programme at which His Holiness joined virtually and delivered His address. Around 1000 people had gathered for the event where Representative Bawa spoke about the strong bond between His Holiness and the Taiwanese public.
–Filed by the Office of Tibet, Taiwan