The Dalai Lama turned 75 Tuesday with hundreds of followers in Dharmsala India, his hometown-in-exile since 1959, the year that he fled Chinese rule in Tibet.
His Holiness enjoyed performances from local dancers in traditional Tibetan dress, and was entertained by artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts at the Main Tibetan Temple in Mcleod Ganj.
Reflecting on his 75 years of life and work, which was projected on a ceremonial banner he said, “I know my life has not been wasted.” His audience and spectators donned umbrellas and stood in the rain for the near two-hour ceremony, to be a part of the celebrations.
In His Holiness’ country Tibet, his followers were unable to partake in these celebrations because of Chinese rule. Similarly Nepalese police detained Tibetan refugees in Katmandu, who were on their way to celebrations.
This is not the first time the Nepalese have met Tibetans with resistance due to pressure from the Chinese. At any hint of a political demonstration against the Chinese rule in Tibet, they must interfere. While speaking to his audience he addressed the situation, “The Tibetans in Tibet have a great desire to celebrate my birthday but they are not allowed to.”
China, that said it does not keep track of the Dalai Lama’s birthday and instead remembers only the dates of Tibet’s “peaceful liberation,” and “serf emancipation day.”
Beijing claims the right of final approval of the reincarnation of the 75-year-old Dalai Lama, who has been hospitalized twice in the last two years. Still for his age His Holiness shows no signs of slowing. He is on average away on travel for six months of the year, defying pressure from the Chinese to deny him a visa.
His Holiness accepted gifts of traditional white scarves from his audience. “Even at this age, I find time for my Buddhist studies that give me strength, peace, happiness and keep me in good health,” he said.
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