Born on this day in 1935 to a poor family in a small village in Eastern Tibet, he was given the name Lhamo Thondup – literally meaning Wish-Fulfilling Goddess. His Holiness writes in his biography Freedom in Exile 'Of course, no one had any idea that I might be anything other than an ordinary baby' and goes on to say, 'I myself likewise had no particular intimation of what lay ahead. My earliest memories are very ordinary.' When collecting eggs with his mother he liked to stay behind and sit in the hens' nest and make clucking noises. Another favourite occupation as an infant was to pack things in a bag as if he was about to go on a long journey, telling everyone that he was going to Lhasa. This coupled with his insistence on sitting at the head of the table, were indications that he was destined for greater things. |
 His Holiness 75th Birthday
Celebration Canvas |
His Holiness is considered to be the reincarnation of each of the previous thirteen Dalai Lama's of Tibet tracing back to 1351 AD, who in turn are considered to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, or Chenrezig, Bodhisattva of Compassion. His Holiness is often asked whether he truly believes this and he replies that the answer is not simple to give but he says, 'I have no difficulty accepting that I am spiritually connected both to the previous Dalai Lama's, to Chenrezig and to the Buddha himself.'
From HH in Australia Newsletter, July 2010.
Tonight we gather together for Obaitori at 8pm to celebrate our diversity, Love, individuality & life. We will also offer thanks for a man whom for decades has given us all hope -- setting a generous example of
wisdom, non-violence and compassion for a better world. We will share ayurvedic birthday cake - thanks to the lovely Jaymie & thanks also in advance to Nic for the chai tea, om.
Also go here, to offer your own personal birthday message to the Dalai Lama which will be broadcaste out over the sacred hills of Dharamsala, India
We offer His Holiness our heartfelt prayers that he has a long life.
Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama
