Hollywood actor and practising Buddhist Richard Gere joined the grand celebrations of the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamshala on Sunday. The spiritual event, marked with reverence and joy, drew dignitaries, monks, and devotees from across the world to honour the Tibetan leader’s legacy of peace and compassion.
Richard Gere Meets the Dalai Lama, Offers Respect
Richard Gere, known for his deep spiritual connection with Buddhism, met the Dalai Lama in person during the celebrations. The actor bowed down respectfully and kissed the spiritual leader’s hand in a gesture of admiration. Gere was seen seated behind the Dalai Lama, sharing the moment with other distinguished guests.
VIDEO | Dharamshala: Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Lalan Singh, actor Richard Gere and others attend Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebration.#DalaiLama90
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Cultural Performances Highlight the Celebrations
The ceremony featured traditional Tibetan dance performances, symbolizing the community’s deep love and respect for their leader. The vibrant celebration was not only a tribute to His Holiness but also a reflection of Tibetan cultural identity in exile.
Special Prayers at Dorjidak Monastery Near Shimla
Meanwhile, Tibetan monks in exile gathered at the Dorjidak Monastery in Panthaghati, near Shimla, to offer special prayers for the Dalai Lama’s long life. The rituals were led by young monk Nawang Tashi Rapten, recognised as the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the former head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The young monk also cut a ceremonial cake as part of the joyous occasion.
“The Dalai Lama Is the Identity of Our Community”: Tibetan Monk
Tibetan Buddhist monk Kunga Lama expressed his deep reverence for the Dalai Lama, calling him the very embodiment of Tibetan unity and global compassion.
“As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion,” he said.
He added: “It is our responsibility to carry out what he says as Buddhists… He has always been a guide to the world with compassion and love.”
The monk also shared that prayers were offered not just for His Holiness, but also for those suffering due to floods in Himachal and across the world.
A Legacy of Peace and Compassion
Born on July 6, 1935, as Lhamo Dhondup in Takster village, northeastern Tibet, the Dalai Lama was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at age two. He was formally installed as the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet on February 22, 1940, receiving the name Tenzin Gyatso.
The title “Dalai Lama,” meaning “Ocean of Wisdom” in Mongolian, represents the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion in Tibetan Buddhism.
A Life in Exile, A Mission for Humanity
After China’s invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Dalai Lama took on full political authority in 1950. In 1959, following a violent crackdown on the Tibetan uprising, he fled to India, where he has lived ever since with over 80,000 Tibetan refugees.
For over six decades, His Holiness has remained a global beacon of non-violence, compassion, interfaith harmony, and Buddhist philosophy, inspiring millions across cultures and generations.
Global Celebrations and Hope for Continuity
Celebrations of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday took place across Tibetan settlements in India and abroad. Amid the joyous ceremonies, many expressed hope that his spiritual lineage will continue through a recognised reincarnation in the future, ensuring his message of peace endures for generations to come.
