Paris,July 13(Office of Tibet, Paris)- Along with the Tibetan community in Paris, the Bureau du Tibet, Paris, organised a grand ceremony on 10 July in celebration of the 70th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Paris. The Kalon for Departments of Finance and Information & International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration, Lobsang Nyandak, was the chief guest of the ceremony, which was attended by over 650 people, including local Tibetan residents and heads of the Buddhist centres in France.
After installation of the portrait of His Holiness on the throne, long life and auspicious prayers were pronounced. Then the programme of the day was read out in Tibetan by Mr Rinchen Phuntsok, Administrative Secretary of the Bureau du Tibet, and in French by Mr Thupten Gyatso, President of the Tibetan Community in France.
As host, Mr Thupten Gyatso gave a moving speech in Tibetan and in French on the importance of this celebration for the Tibetan people. He welcome everyone present to express our wish for long life of His Holiness.
Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Paris, in his speech thanked every one for being together to celebrate this special day which bears a great significance to the Tibetan people and to the entire planet. He mentioned the tireless efforts made by His Holiness to defend the basic human values as truth, justice, and non violence. His Holiness, he said, has been a witness of the grand movements of the contemporary history, and his personality is intimately linked to the destiny of the Tibetan people, especially in this critical moment of the Tibetan history.
Kalon for Finance, Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration, Mr Lobsang Nyandak, was the chief guest on this occasion.
In his speech, DIIR Kalon thanked the organisers and everyone present for their solidarity to the just cause of Tibet. He then read out the message of the Kashag on this occasion.
Venerable Dagpo Rinpoche gave a comprehensive teaching on Buddhism on the theme of “Relations between Avalokishevara and the People of Tibet”. On the basis of the original Buddhist sutras, the Rinpoche explained how Tibet and its people are closely related to Avalokiteshvara, Buddha of compassion. The Rinpoche said, it is indeed a great chance for all of us, to be able to celebrate together the anniversary of His Holiness who is the very emanation of Avalokiteshvara. The Rinpoche also insisted on the importance of developing compassion in each of us for our daily life, harmony and peace in the world, and most important of all, to develop ourselves spiritually. Venerable Dagpo Rinpoche’s teaching was translated into French by his longtime disciple, Mrs Marie Stella Boussemart.
The sangsol ritual then followed with tsampa offered in the air and all the present shouted : kyi kyi so so lha gyal lo !
After the vegetarian lunch prepared by members of the Tibetan Community, a cultural programme began with presentation of variety of songs, dances and music of different provinces of Tibet. Kagyu Dzong centre nearby has organised a vegetarian lunch for the guests. The first part of the programme was presented by the dance group of the Tibetan community who had rehearsed under the guidance of the Tibetan musician, Mr Lobsang Bondope Tsang. The second part of the programme was presented by the musician Mr Tshering Wangdu which included among others, the yak and snow lion dances which were highly appreciated by the public. Indeed the dance programmes in which over 25 Tibetans have participated, have been so successful that almost three hour programmes were fully attended by the people present. The 14 year old Karma played a dejin music on the podium and ably led a yak and snow lion dances. At each interval of the programme, Mr Thupten Gyatso and Mrs Rachel Guidoni, presented the name and meaning of the songs and dances. Finally the traditional circle dance or gorshay was offered in which the Tibetan dancers and musicians invited everyone present to participate to conclude the day.
The weather has been excellent throughout the day, and the entire event being organised in an open air within the public garden precinct of the Bois de Vincennes, gave highlighted the atmosphere of peace and intimacy. The birth anniversary celebration has also been one of the occasions for the Tibetan people to meet each other and work together for our common cause.
