Celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama `s 85th Birthday in Switzerland

Rikon: 6thJuly 2020, Tibetan Community of Switzerland & Liechtenstein organized  85th Birthday Celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Rikon Tibet Institute. Considering the social distancing regulations by the Swiss Federal Office of Health, the celebration was led by Khen Rinpoche and was attended by only invited dignitaries because of COVID-19 Pandemics.

Dignitaries present on the ceremony include Ven Thupten Legmen, Khen Rinpoche, Ms.Karma Dolma Lobsang, President, Tibet Institute Rikon, Mr.Samdho Jampa , Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Mr. Wangpo Tethong , member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile , President of Tibetan Community in Switzerland & Liechtenstein, President of Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association, President of Swiss Tibetan Woman association, President of Europe  Tibetan Youth association.

After the welcome Speach by Mr. Tsamdha Norbu, the Programme began by offering of Mandala to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his long life by the main guest and the President of TCSL. Chanting of Buddhist prayers and ritual offerings were led by Khen Rinpoche,Ven Thupten Legmen and the monks of Tibet Institute Rikon.

The dignitaries offered Khatak to the Portrait of His Holiness, received blessing and prayed for his the Dalai Lama`s long life and for the wellbeing os all sentient beings. Tea and Sweet Rice (Solja & dresil) was offered.  After the word of greetings by Ms. Karma Dolma Lobsang, Mr. Jampa Samdho ( Chitue ) also spoke on the occasion.

The Ceremony was successfully ended  with a Sangsol (Incense Offering) led by Khen Rinpoche and the Monks followed by Tibetan National Anthem and minute of silence for all the Martyrs who sacrificed their life for the cause of Tibet.

Tibetans of all 25 sections in Switzerland celebrated the Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at their home and made many short videos. While abiding His Holiness the Dalai Lama`s video message. “It is not possible for the gathering of people to hold my birthday celebration because of the COVID-19 pandemic and also it is not necessary! However if you want to celebrate my birthday, I would like to ask you to recite ÒM MANI PADME HUM MANTRA `at least a thousand times.”Tibetans all around the Switzerland recited Mani Mantra with their families and friends.

Tibetans settled across the globe virtually celebrated the 85th birthday of the Dalai Lama with full swing and joy.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) announced to dedicate this year as `Year of Gratitude ` to mark the 85th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

In 1959. The occupying Chinese troops suppressed the Tibetan national uprising in Lhasa and forced the Dalai Lama and over 80.000 Tibetans into exile in India. From the first day he stepped into a life in exile, His Holiness has worked to protect his people, lead a political movement, and preserve the unique cultural identity of Tibet.

Today many around the world view Tibetans as the most successful refugee community with schools, refugee settlements, monasteries and democratic polity capable of representing and uniting all Tibetans. Like a parent with unconditional compassion, His Holiness had made supreme sacrifices to nurture the Tibetans.

Tibetans acknowledge with deep gratitude the debt they owe to His Holiness, the greatest of all the Dalai Lamas. Tibetans proudly celebrate his life and legacies. They pray for the day when Tibetans in Tibet will get to seek His Holiness`blessing and teaching from his seat in the Potala palace in the Land of Snow.

 

Nyima Arya

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