‘Just a simple Buddhist monk… will continue promoting harmony’: Dalai Lama’s birthday message as he turns 90

He wrote: “I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.”

In his birthday message on Saturday, the leader urged his followers to focus on achieving peace of mind, and make the world a better place. “While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place,” he wrote over X.

The Dalai Lama at the temple in McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Even though he does not normally engage in birthday celebrations, he appreciated the fact that many of his followers were using the occasion to “engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism”.

Highlighting his plans, the Dalai Lama said, “As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion.”

90th Birthday Message

On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in… pic.twitter.com/bfWjAZ18BO

— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 5, 2025

He said that he develops determination and courage in his daily life “through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold.”

Quoting Shantideva, he wrote: “As long as space endures, as long as sentient being remain, until then, may I too remain to dispel the miseries of the world.”

Visitors outside the Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj on Saturday. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Celebrations are also underway within the Tibetan community in McLeodganj on Sunday with a religious conference, youth forum, film screening and prayers for the long life of the Tibetan spiritual leader, news agency PTI reported.

Earlier in the day, following a long life prayer ceremony at Tsuglagkhang, the central Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj, the spiritual leader shared that he hopes to live for another 30 to 40 years to serve the people, PTI report stated.

The Dalai Lama’s birth anniversary celebrations on Sunday will be attended by cabinet ministers Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere are slated to attend the ceremony, the report noted.

Devotees at the Dalai Lama Temple during prayer for long life of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama a day before his 90th birthday celebrations, in Mcleodganj. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

‘An enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience…’: PM Modi’s birthday message for the Dalai Lama

Calling the Dalai Lama “an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi early Sunday extended his wishes to the Tibetan spiritual leader on the occasion of his birthday.

Modi wrote on X, “I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.”

He added, “His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.”