As celebrations mark his 90th year, the Dalai Lama reminds followers that true joy comes from altruism, not applause—and that his mission for peace and inner strength continues.
BY PC Bureau
July 5, 2025 —On the occasion of his 90th birthday, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama issued a heartfelt public message to well-wishers across the world, with a special note of gratitude to the Tibetan communities organizing celebrations. The spiritual leader, while maintaining his characteristic humility, used the milestone to reflect on the values of compassion, altruism, and inner peace.
“I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations,” the Dalai Lama said in a written message. “However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.”
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The Tibetan leader expressed appreciation that many of the events marking his birthday were oriented around cultivating compassion and warm-heartedness. He urged followers and supporters to look beyond material development and focus instead on nurturing peace of mind—through acts of kindness not just to loved ones, but to all beings.
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/ea9flnOSqP
— Tibet.Net (@CTA_TibetdotNet) July 5, 2025
“While it is important to work for material development,” he wrote, “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.”
Lifelong Commitments
Reaffirming his lifelong commitments, the Dalai Lama said he would continue to focus on promoting basic human values, fostering religious harmony, and drawing global attention to ancient Indian philosophical wisdom—especially in understanding the mind and emotions. He also highlighted the richness of Tibetan cultural heritage, which, he noted, has much to offer in advancing peace and compassion worldwide.
The message reflects the Dalai Lama’s consistent efforts to transcend political and territorial concerns, emphasizing universal ethical principles rooted in both Buddhism and broader human experience.
Guided by Ancient Wisdom
The Nobel Peace Laureate shared that he draws courage and determination daily from the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as the 8th-century scholar Shantideva. He quoted the revered Bodhisattva aspiration from Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara, a verse he often cites as his personal guiding light:
“As long as space endures,
As long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world.”
A Global Legacy
The Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday comes at a time of uncertainty and transition for the Tibetan exile community and for global efforts to preserve Buddhist and Himalayan cultural traditions. Yet, the message resonates with timeless clarity and a forward-looking spirit.
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He concluded his birthday message with a warm blessing: “Thank you for using the opportunity of my birthday to cultivate peace of mind and compassion. Tashi Deleg and with prayers.”
The Dalai Lama’s words serve not just as a birthday message, but as a universal call to action in a divided world—to cultivate goodness, courage, and inner peace, for the benefit of all sentient beings.
