Gangnam, South Korea: The Tibetan Community in South Korea, in collaboration with Korean Buddhist friends and Tibetan Buddhist communities across the country, commemorated the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama through a series of events held at Gangnam Monastery and Kangsong Monastery on 6 July 2026.

The programme commenced with a birthday celebration at Gangnam Monastery, led by Ven. Khenpo Ji Hyun. The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks by Geshe Phuntsok Chojor, who extended heartfelt greetings and offered prayers for the long life, good health, and continued activities of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Addressing the gathering, Ven. Khenpo Ji Hyun reflected on the longstanding friendship and spiritual ties between the Korean Buddhist community and Tibetan monastics. He emphasised the importance of nurturing this friendship and working together to strengthen the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism in South Korea.

Ven. Rato Khen Rinpoche also addressed the gathering, encouraging participants to deepen their study and practice of the Buddhadharma. He emphasised that the most meaningful birthday offering to His Holiness is the sincere cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and ethical conduct through the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings.

The President of the Tibetan Community in South Korea, Geshe Tenzin Sangpo, conveyed birthday greetings on behalf of the Tibetan community. He referred to His Holiness’ statement of 5 July 2025, in which His Holiness reaffirmed the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama in accordance with the aspirations of the Tibetan people and devoted followers worldwide. The President also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Ven. Khenpo Ji Hyun for organizing the celebration and extended gratitude to all supporters and volunteers whose contributions ensured the success of the event.

Following the public celebration, approximately thirty participants—including representatives of Tibetan Buddhist centres, Tibetan monastic teachers, students, and Korean Dharma practitioners—gathered in the Education Hall of Gangnam Monastery for a discussion on the development of Tibetan Buddhism in South Korea.

During the meeting, Khen Rinpoche Sonam Gyaltsen, Geshe Jungney, Geshe Namkha, Geshe Tashi Rabten, and Geshe Tenzin Jinpa shared their experiences of teaching and living in South Korea. Discussions focused on the importance of learning the Korean language, improving translation and interpretation, the opportunities and challenges of disseminating Tibetan Buddhism, and practical ways to strengthen cooperation among Dharma centres and monastic teachers. Concluding the session, the President of the Association emphasized the need to enhance coordination, expand collaborative initiatives, and further promote Dharma activities for the benefit of practitioners in South Korea.

The day’s programme concluded with a prayer gathering at Kangsong Monastery, jointly organized by Ven. Rato Khen Rinpoche and the South Korea Tibetan Association. In addition to offering long-life prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and celebrating his 91st birthday, participants held a memorial prayer service in honour of the late Logha Rangtsen, who recently self-immolated in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York in protest against the Chinese government’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, which seeks to erase Tibet’s language, religion, and cultural heritage.

The day’s commemorative events reflected the unity and resilience of the Tibetan community in South Korea, as well as the continued support and friendship extended by members of the Korean Buddhist community. The programme further reaffirmed a shared commitment to preserving Tibetan Buddhist traditions, promoting Dharma education, strengthening collaboration between Tibetan and Korean practitioners, and expressing profound gratitude for the enduring guidance and compassionate leadership of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Japan