Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 9: The exile Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed heartfelt gratitude to people around the world for the overwhelming outpouring of birthday wishes received on the occasion of his 91st birthday, while reaffirming that compassion and service to others remain the guiding principles of his life.
In a public message released on Thursday by the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the nonagenarian leader thanked individuals across the globe for their greetings and reflected on the values that have shaped his life and work.
“I would like to thank you all for your greetings on my 91st birthday,” the Dalai Lama said. Referring to his address delivered in Leh, Ladakh, on July 6, he added that looking back on his life, he sees that “the core of my practice has been to be of benefit to others,” describing altruistic motivation as the purpose with which he begins each day.
Emphasizing that spreading compassion and kindness continues to be his life’s foremost mission, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate said such values are indispensable to building a better world for everyone.
“I therefore call on my brothers and sisters everywhere, both young and old, to practice warm-heartedness and compassion, with genuine concern for the well-being of others,” he said, adding that living with such an attitude is what gives life true meaning and purpose through service to others.
The message also provided an update on his health. The Nobel Peace Laureate said that following a successful medical procedure on his left knee in New Delhi last month, he has been recuperating in Ladakh.
“As in past years, I find the climate here at this time of year well suited to my health, and I therefore plan to remain in Ladakh for the next several weeks,” he said.
His Holiness celebrated his 91st birthday on July 6 in Leh, in the Union Territory of Ladakh, where thousands of devotees, dignitaries, and well-wishers gathered to offer prayers and extend their greetings. The 91 year-old reaffirmed that he may live up to age of 130 while assuring his progress following his knee surgery last month.
