The ceremony began with the Abbot, Geshé Ngawang Sangyé, offering a khata, a silk scarf, that he unfurled over the table in front of His Holiness’s throne and then took his seat. The chant master led a recitation of the praise to Jetsun Sherab Sengé.

To start with, Gyudmed Tantric University presented His Holiness, who the monks consider to be their master and custodian of the teaching and practice traditions of Gyudmed Dratsang, with a Master of the Sutra and Tantra Tradition of Gyudmed Tantric University Award, in the form of a blazing wheel made of gold and silver. It was conferred with the following dedication.

“Since the reestablishment of this monastery in exile Your Holiness has kindly looked after us. You have not only encouraged the study and practice of our traditional curriculum, but also urged us to become better acquainted with modern science.

“Your Holiness has given teachings on the three major Gelukpa tantric practices of Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara Heruka and Yamantaka, the Four Annotations of Tantra, the Four Mindfulnesses and other topics. We are unable to repay even a small portion of your kindness. You have also given us profound teachings and pith instructions relevant to Gyudmed Tantric University. Your care for us has been comparable to the way a mother looks after her son. We, the monks of Gyudmed Tantric University, are presenting you with this award in acknowledgement that you are our master”

Next came a verse, which will be included in the monastery’s lineage prayer, that His Holiness has composed at the monastery’s request:

I make supplications at your feet, O Tenzin Gyatso
The Unrivalled Holder of the Lotus,
Who reveals the excellent path of the King of Tantras, Guhyasamaja,
The most sublime precious jewel in the three worlds of existence.

While the Abbot of Gyudmed offered His Holiness a cushion marked with a crossed vajra, this verse was said:

May all sentient beings become enlightened
and quickly acquire these thrones:
An elephant throne, symbolising the possession of the ten powers;
A lion throne denoting fearlessness;
A horse throne indicating swift legs;
A peacock throne showing possession of the ten subjugating powers;
A garuda throne, representing unhindered ability;
A jewel throne, the source of wish-fulfilment;
A lotus throne representing being unsullied by faults;
A sun and moon throne,
and the natural clear light.
Om siddhi raja ye svaha

There followed a recitation of verses in praise of Jé Tsongkhapa by Khedup Jé entitled the ‘Most Glorious One of the Three Worlds’. After that came a ‘Praise of the Buddha - The Unrivalled Lion of the Shakyas’, which begins:

Indra, king of the gods,
his enemy the Asura leader,
Pramudita, celestial musician king,
naga kings and great rishis
beautify your lotus feet with the jewels of their crowns.

Glorious body bathing in splendor of its golden glow,
voice unrivaled even by melodies of celestial musicians,
mind brighter than ten million suns,
guide supreme for infinite living beings,
paragon of the Shakyas.

Moon and stars on a cloudless night
appear crystal-clear in the midst of a lake,
so in the clear waters of my untroubled mind
are your qualities reflected one by one.

And ends:

Within your deeds however,
no trace of neglect or indifference
toward any disciple is found.
Solely by my own faults, therefore,
am I rendered so unfortunate,
and no failing is attached to you.

Therefore, until under the bodhi tree
I emerge victorious over the hosts of Mara,
I pray to be cared for life after life by you
and never tire of your nectar-like words.

Tea was distributed, offered and blessed with verses composed by Gendun Gyatso, the Second Dalai Lama:

The Prince of Suddhodana, who was an unmatched guide of beings,
Manjushri, the master of wisdom
and Ajita (Maitreya), the master of love and compassion
I pray to you. Please, bless me.

Lord Amitabha’s emanation, the omniscient Dipankara,
who was the crowning jewel in these degenerate times
Conqueror Dromtönpa, the emanation of Lord Avalokiteshvara
Please accept this uncontaminated offering of nectar.

Tsongkhapa, the monk emanation of Manjushri,
who is the sole progenitor of Buddhas
Please be fully contented with the great bliss nectar
flowing from the clouds cast by your compassionate blessings.

Manjushri, the one and only father of Buddhas
My lasting source of refuge
Please reside in the lotus of my heart
and accept these immeasurable ambrosial offerings.

My own body being in the nature of a deity
though not craving the nectar of hundred flavours
What a great bliss that I enjoy at will
Emaho! how wonderful and fortunate!

Rice was distributed and the prayer invoking the series of manifestations of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), in India and Tibet, including kings, scholars and translators and such luminaries as Drontönpa, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, Sangye Gompa, as well as Gedun Drup and the lineage of Dalai Lamas, was said. This is the verse in praise of His Holiness the present Dalai Lama:

Gaining mastery of the speech of Heroic Manjushri,
Your excellent wisdom, as deep as the ocean,
Upholds the Victor’s Teaching;
You are sovereign protector of the triple world;
O Incomparable Lord — I pray to you!

A long mandala offering was performed to request His Holiness the Dalai Lama to live long, followed by a recitation of the Prayer for His Holiness’s Long Life by his two Tutors. A Tsog offering called Tsaru Ganachakra was blessed according to Guhyasamaja tantric system and offered offered within the context of Guhyasamaja tantra.

His Holiness addressed the congregation:

“Since this prayer for my long life is being held here at Gyudmed Tantric University I will give the oral transmission of a verse to be included in the prayer to the lineage lamas as I have been requested to do.

“The complete teaching of the Buddha has spread in Tibet, teaching that has been practised without a break in its transmission. The Tantric colleges of the Geluk tradition in particular have preserved this.

“With regard to myself, after I had received teachings, I became really interested in engaging in intensive study of Guhyasamaja Tantra based on the writings of Jé Tsongkhapa.

“In the Gyutö and Gyudmed Tantric Colleges study of Guhyasamaja is part of your standard curriculum, which has served the purpose of keeping this tradition alive until today.

“Next, I’ve been asked to give the oral transmission of a text entitled: ‘A Direct Guided Instruction on How to Practice the Five Stages of Guhyasamaja in a Single Sitting’. Following a salutation to the Teacher of Guhyasamaja Tantra and your own Lama, who are inseparable, and the pledge to compose the text, the author gives two major divisions of the teaching:

1. Preliminary practices and
2. Actual practice (of the five stages of the completion phase of Guhyasamaja).

1. Preliminary practices has two parts:

1a) Purifying negativities, karmas and impediments (to the actual practice) through meditation and recitation of the Vajrasattva sadhana and
1b) Gathering the conducive conditions for collecting positive factors through meditation on Guru Yoga.”

Today, His Holiness completed section 1a). He explained how to purify negativities through meditation on Vajrasattva and the recitation of his 100-syllable mantra. The second part of the preliminary practices and the remainder of the text have not been covered during this visit to Gyudmed Monastery.

His Holiness emphasized how important it is to meditate on emptiness imbued with bodhichitta.

“Whatever you meditate on you should think of that object as being empty of inherent existence. That includes yourself and everything else, your friends and so forth. You should have a compassionate pure intention to help all sentient beings, to purify negativities, to meditate on emptiness and to engage in the practice of deity yoga.

“We recite these sadhanas every day. The important thing to keep in mind is that the purpose of sadhana practice is to integrate the practice within yourself. In other words, we should do whatever practice we do with a sincere heart. If we don’t give serious thought to how we practice it just becomes another routine. That’s all I wish to say.” His Holiness’s words inspired gentle applause.

A thanksgiving mandala offering was performed, followed by the prayer for His Holiness’s long life in a single verse:

In the land encircled by snow mountains
You are the source of all happiness and good;
All-powerful Avalokiteshvara, Tenzin Gyatso,
Please remain until cyclic existence ends.

Finally, after the recitation of a Praise of Amitayus and the Prayer for the Flourishing of the Teaching came the Verses of Auspiciousness from Guhyasamaja Tantra.

Once His Holiness had taken his seat the Abbot of Gyumé Monastery, Geshé Ngawang Sangyé made prostrations and offered a mandala and representations of the body, speech and mind of enlightenment. The Hunsur MLA Harish Gowd also paid his respects.

As His Holiness walked through the assembly hall, the floor strewn with flower petals, the monks were chanting a Praise of Jetsun Sherab Sengé, founder of their monastery. They followed this with a Praise of Six-armed Mahakala by the Mahasiddha Shawaripa and then a Praise of Dharmaraja by Jé Tsongkhapa. Tea and sweet rice were served and the verses for offering and blessing them invoked Jowojé Atisha, Dromtönpa and Tsongkhapa.

His Holiness addressed the gathering:

“Although it was quite a long drive to get here, I don’t feel tired.

“Wherever Tibetans have settled they seem quite pleased to see me. I easily make friends with people and they have regard for me as the person who bears the name Dalai Lama. I was born in Do-mé or Amdo and later moved to Central Tibet where I was able to study Buddhist philosophy, logic and so forth with my tutors. My debate assistants were very kind to me too and with their help I was able to put my brain to good use.

“In Tibet I visited the great monasteries of Sera, Ganden and Drepung to take my exams. Finally, I was fortunate to be able to take the exam for the degree of Geshé Lharampa in the Jokhang in Lhasa. As I stood amidst the congregation of scholars at Sera, Ganden and Drepung Monasteries I might have given an impression of confidence, but inside my heart beat rapidly because I was nervous. On the other hand, I was also happy. The debates I engaged in and the examinations I took at the Three Great Seats of Learning went very well.

“So, this person named Lhamo Dhondup, who came such a long way from Amdo, and who bears the name Dalail Lama, has been able to serve the teaching and other beings quite well. Not only Tibetans, but also people who are not traditionally Buddhists are friendly towards me and happy to hear what I have to say. I feel this has made my life worthwhile.

“I still expect to live another ten or 15 years and will continue to serve the Buddhadharma and the cause of Tibet. This is a contribution I will continue to make.

“We have worked hard, despite living in exile, and because of my interest in science many people who have no religious faith as such, scientists among them, have become my friends. I feel I have been able to serve the Dharma, particularly the tradition of the great master Tsongkhapa that comprises both sutra and tantra, in my discussions with them. I have also engaged in meditation based on his teachings. Consequently, I have been able to uphold the correct view and share it with others, explaining to them how they can transform their minds. Indeed, I have been able to engage in discussions with people from all walks of life.

“After the 13th Dalai Lama passed away, I was recognized as the reincarnation, so I bear title Dalai Lama and so far I have done my best to serve the Dharma and beings. As I mentioned before, I have seen indications in my dreams that I may live to be 110 years old or more and I feel that I will be able to continue to serve the Dharma and the cause of Tibet.

“I am happy to have been able to reach here today, and you have all been able to pay your respects. If we were still in Tibet, I would be sitting on a high throne unable to interact with the general public. It would all have been formal. However, coming into exile has been quite refreshing because I have been able to meet and interact with all kinds of people from many different walks of life. I want to be able to help people by dealing with them directly, which is what I have been doing since coming into exile. Talking to people, letting them know what I think, rather than remaining aloof, accords with my own nature.

“At Gyumé Tantric College you are known for chanting in the voice of Yamantaka. Your trust in me has been the basis of a strong, immutable spiritual bond between us—for which I would like to thank you. As Tibetans there may differences between us depending on where we come from and who our own teachers are, but we share a common way of thinking. We have kept alive the teaching that the Buddha gave more than two thousand five hundred years ago.

“The Buddhadharma came to Tibet during the reigns of the Dharma Kings and we have been able to keep the complete teaching of the Buddha alive since then and we share a determination to continue to do so.

“I am someone who bears the title Dalai Lama and the responsibility of the Dalai Lamas is to preserve the teaching of the Buddha. The extent to which the Buddhadharma has spread during my time seems to have been much greater than under previous Dalai Lamas. I have tried to spread the message of the importance of maintaining a good heart, of being a good person, rather than just being religious. This message has been widely recognized and appreciated. You, monks of the Tantric College, have been serving the Dalai Lamas very well and that’s all I have to say today. Thank you.”

His Holiness then retired to the rooms that had been prepared for him. Tomorrow, the monks of Gyumé Tantric College will offer prayers for his long life.

Monks and nuns filled the temple, while more monks, nuns and lay-people sat in the debate yard under a huge awning. An estimated 25000 people gathered to receive the empowerment, with many Tibetans coming from other settlements in Karnataka. His Holiness rode in a golf cart down from the temple and walked to the throne. Once he was seated, the prayer of the ‘Three Continuums’ was recited, tea, bread and ceremonial sweet rice were distributed, and verses to offer and bless them were said.

His Holiness addressed the assembly: “Today, we are facing all kinds of difficulties and this visit to Bylakuppé is coming to an end, so, I thought it would be auspicious if I were to give a Long-Life Empowerment. That is what I’m going to do. As far as my own lifespan is concerned, I’ve had indications in my dreams that I could live to be 110, but for the time being this empowerment will make an auspicious conclusion.

“This empowerment is in relation to White Tara with whom we have strong karmic connections. A large number of people have gathered here intent on doing Dharma practice not just seeking to improve their name and fame. Therefore, I will be giving this White Tara Empowerment as an auspicious conclusion of this visit.”

“In the last few days, we have engaged in powerful spiritual practice such that if the Buddha were watching us, he would be pleased. This is quite clear.

“Not long ago when I was taking part in a meeting at the Thai Temple in Bodhgaya, I had a clear vision of the Buddha before me. He beckoned to me so I approached him with great respect and I felt he was very kindly disposed towards me. I was gratified that he showed such extraordinary compassion towards meand that he seemed pleased with me.

“The Buddha Dharma has spread around the world, reaching places that historically had no previous connection with Buddhism. I feel I have made some contribution to this.

“In the early part of my life, I was able to study with my Tutors and as a result I have been equipped to make my life meaningful. I am someone who was born in Do-mé, Amdo, and when I was a child my mother and my grandmothers were very kind to me. My family awoke my interest in spiritual practice. When I was about three of four years old, I visited Kumbum Monastery where I learned to recite the mantra Om ara patsa nadhi by following the example of the young monks I saw there. Since then, I’ve been able to create some imprint for the practice of the Dharma in my mind.

“The letters A, Ka and Ma that were displayed in the surface of the Lhamo Latso Lake were among the factors that resulted in my being placed on the throne of the Dalai Lamas. So, not as a result of anything I have done, but due to strong karmic links and past prayers I took up that responsibility. Consequently, people from Central Tibet have shown me their admiration, but so too have people from the Amdo and Dho-tö regions.

“The best part of my life began when I met the two tutors with whom I studied Buddhist philosophy and practice, as well as logic and debate. With their encouragement I memorized Maitreya’s ‘Ornament for Clear Realization’ (Abhisamayalankara) and Chandrakirti’s ‘Entering into the Middle Way’ (Madhyamakavatara). I then received succinct explanations of these texts point by point from them. Accordingly, I feel my human life has been worthwhile.

“When upheaval took place in Lhasa, I made prayers before the Mahakala statue at Norbulingka. I also performed a dough-ball divination before the thangka of Palden Lhamo that I carry with me wherever I go to clarify what I should do. According to the indications I received I left Norbulingka under cover of darkness and escaped. The positive result has been that I was able to reach this free country and meet all kinds of people I would otherwise not have known. What’s more, in places where the name ‘Dalai Lama’ was previously unknown, it has come to be known and admired. Therefore, I feel this precious human life has been worthwhile.

“I will continue to engage in the practice of Dharma by keeping a pure morality and pursuing the practice of tantra as well. In addition, I meditate. Every morning when I wake, I meditate on the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the view of emptiness. I’ve done this every day, trying to live the life of a spiritual person. I have also made many friends among people who were not necessarily interested in Buddhism.

“So, I spent my younger years in Tibet and then came into exile, which is where I have lived most of my life. As I’ve already said, indications in my dreams suggest that I will live to be 110 or so.” Applause rippled through the audience.

“I am someone who came from Siling where the people are generally considered to be quite stern and tough. I feel I have not made that mistake because I have been so involved with the teachings of the Buddha.

“Today, I’m going to give a Long Life Empowerment. First of all, I need to undertake certain preparatory practices. While I do that, please recite Tara’s mantra together.”

Resuming his address to the crowd, His Holiness advised:

“Having found this precious human life, we have to make it meaningful. To do so, we require the complete teaching of the Buddha and to be able to engage in the Three Trainings—ethics, concentration and wisdom. If we are to do that well, we need to have a long life. And we can prolong our lives by relying on a deity like Arya Tara, who has vowed to take care of those who follow the Kadam Tradition.

“All the four tantras are to be practised in the context of bodhichitta, so first of all you have to take the Bodhisattva vow. Without a bodhichitta motivation tantric practice could be misdirected. Whatever tantric practice you do, it must be founded on bodhichitta, the altruistic wish to be of benefit to others. This is the approach I take. Right from the moment I wake up, I generate bodhichitta. Even at the end of the day, I never forget bodhichitta. I go to sleep with mindfulness of bodhichitta. You think to yourself that you will engage in whatever practices you do for the benefit of all sentient beings. In this way you live your life in the service of others.”

His Holiness led the assembly through the verses for generating bodhichitta and taking the Bodhisattva vows. He then proceeded to go through the stages of the empowerment, advising the disciples to imagine themselves dissolving into emptiness. From that, they imagined arising in the form of White Tara.

“As I’ve already mentioned, every morning when I wake I meditate on bodhichitta and the view of emptiness. In my daily life I try to direct my mind towards these two practices that are also known as method and wisdom. Imbued with these two practices on a daily basis, through the days, weeks, months and years of my life I familiarize my mind with bodhichitta and emptiness. It’s not just a matter of reciting verses and prayers, but of making these principals the very core of my practice. In this way we can make our lives meaningful.”

When the empowerment was complete, His Holiness encouraged the disciples to feel delighted. He advised them from now on to take White Tara, the Wish-fulfilling Wheel to be their tutelary deity.

The congregation offered a thanksgiving mandala and the occasion was brought to an end with a recitation of the ‘Prayer of the Words of Truth’ and a series of dedication prayers. Smiling and waving to members of the congregation as he rode in a golf-cart through the debate yard and up to the temple veranda, His Holiness returned to his rooms.

After His Holiness had taken his seat, the long life ceremony according to the sutra tradition began with these lines:

I and all mother sentient beings equal to the expanse of space take refuge in the holy Lamas, we take refuge in the Buddhas. We take refuge in the Dharma. We take refuge in the Sangha. We take refuge in the Venerable Arya Tara and her retinue. We take refuge in the Dharmapalas who possess a wisdom eye.Reciting the following verse, the Vajra-master offered His Holiness a cushion marked with a crossed-vajra.

Reciting the following verse, the Vajra-master offered His Holiness a cushion marked with a crossed-vajra.

How fortunate and wonderful,
Our Buddha has arrived here.
May you accept our heavenly gifts,
Think of us and bless us all.

The ceremony continued with the customary praise of the Buddha, ‘The Prayer of Three Continuums’, followed by the verse for taking refuge and cultivating bodhichitta. The way to visualize the pure realm where Samantabhadra offerings actually displayed and imagined, could be made, was recited. The Buddhas were invited and offered first an ablution, then water to drink. A mandala offering was made.

Tea and ceremonial sweet rice were distributed among the congregation and verses to offer and bless them were said.

The prayer to the Sixteen Elders, also known as the Sixteen Arhats, began by inviting them to come forth together with the Buddha, in order that the Buddha’s teaching may continue to flourish. The seven-limb prayer of Samantabhadra was chanted, followed by a mandala offering requesting the Guru to live for a hundred aeons for the benefit of the doctrine and sentient beings.

The Vajra-master Zikyab Tulku accompanied by two Tashi Lhunpo monks offered His Holiness a mandala requesting him to live long. He then offered him representations of the enlightened body, speech and mind, the two yellow monastic robes, the Namjar and Chögö, a lower robe (shamthab), a hat, a mattress (dingwa), an alms bowl, a monastic staff (kharsil used to alert householders to a monk’s arrival at their door begging for alms), emblems of the seven royal symbols, the eight auspicious symbols, and the eight auspicious substances. Additional offerings included a white conch and a hat. There was a Tsaru Tsog Offering.

As has become customary, the prayer for His Holiness’s long life composed by his two Tutors, Kyabjé Ling Rinpoché and Kyabjé Trijang Rinpoché was chanted. Then came the homage and offering to the Sixteen Elders.

His Holiness addressed the gathering. “Today, here at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, you have offered prayers for my long life. I am a reincarnation of Gyalwa Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Sonam Gyatso, the Third, and the other Dalai Lamas who came before me. Sometimes in my dreams, and so on, I feel I do have the blessings of my predecessors. I feel I have a connection with them.

“Moreover, the Dalai Lamas have a special connection with Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, so I feel honoured that you have offered these prayers here on my behalf. Over many lifetimes we have had connections with each other due to our karmic links and past prayers.

“Although I was born in the Do-mé Amdo region, I have a close connection with Tashi Lhunpo. So, it’s very auspicious that you have offered these prayers for me and I would like to thank you. That’s all.”

The prayers concluded with aspirations, expressed in verses from several sources, for the continued flourishing of the Dharma.

While the Abbot, Zikyab Tulku, presented offerings to His Holiness, Ven. Lobsang Dorjee, a senior monk of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, read a tribute to His Holiness in support of the requests that had been made that he live long. “Your Holiness, you took responsibility for Tibet and its spiritual and worldly affairs and worked hard. Your universal compassion has brought widespread benefit, despite the great hardship and difficulties you have faced. You have worked hard for the benefit of all beings, for which we would like to thank you.

“As you reach 90 years old, we, human and non-human beings of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, both inside Tibet and in exile, wanted to offer these prayers for your long life. To this end we have saved the lives of 113 sheep and goats, as well as 111,113 fish.

“In order to honour Your Holiness during your 90th year we are offering you this statue of Gyalwa Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. In the right hand of this image is a vase containing the nectar of immortality, while the left holds a Dharma Wheel. We present this gold and silver statue to Your Holiness.

“We have prepared a collection of accounts of the lives of all the Dalai Lamas from the First to the Fourteenth in 29 volumes. We invite Your Holiness to launch this publication here, today. We pledge, in the future, to compile stories from Your Holiness’s life and publish them too.

“We have also published a book, a copy of which we have given to you, which contains works of admiration and praise for Your Holiness composed by students of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.”

The tribute noted that His Holiness will have stayed at Tashi Lhunpo for almost two months for his health and well-being. During that time His Holiness has graciously given audience to the elderly and infirm from the Tibetan community. He also gave Bhikshu ordination to many monks, presided over prayers commemorating the passing away of Gyalwa Gendun Drup, as well as attending the grand debate that was held here. Tomorrow His Holiness will give the White Tara long life initiation.

“You not only visited the debate sessions we regularly hold here, but also looked in on the monastery school. We feel that your going here and there, inspecting the various aspects of our studies and our monastic life, have had the effect of blessing the monastery.

“One special quality of the omniscient Gyalwa Gendun Drup is that he not only founded Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, but even in his old age, he continued to teach the monks of the monastery. Your Holiness helped us reestablish and build this monastery, with its temple and so forth. You have been steadfast in your support. Your kindness to us has been inconceivable. We cannot repay you, even if we were to fill the three thousand worlds with precious stones.

“Nevertheless, you have provided us, monks of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, both inside Tibet and in exile, the opportunity to make this long-life offering to you. Once again, we pray for Your Holiness’s long life in the aspect of Amitayus. May the great waves of your enlightened deeds benefit the world at large, and, before long, through Tibetans increasing their merit, may Your Holiness be united once more with Tibetans in Tibet. May that sun-filled day dawn soon.

“Finally, we make a fervent request to Your Holiness to come again and again to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in the future. This is the appeal of Abbots, former Abbots and monks of the monastery—with our heartfelt thanks.”

His Holiness was escorted from the temple by the Abbot, former Abbot and monks playing horns and returned to his rooms on the upper floor.

“Only Tibet has preserved the complete teaching of the Buddha, and the rigorous study of it through reason and logic,” he told them. “Because this tradition includes very effective methods for transforming the mind, we should make efforts to preserve it. We should also do so because the understanding of the workings of our mind and emotions that is part of our spiritual heritage is not to be found in any other spiritual tradition. Our understanding of psychology provides us with excellent tools for tackling our mental afflictions and cultivating positive emotions. And after studying them thoroughly we can use these tools to transform our minds. Therefore, our study of classic Buddhist texts leads to practical benefits.”

While this meeting was taking place, the congregation in the assembly hall recited prayers including the ‘Three Continuums’ in praise of the Buddha and the ‘Praise for the 17 Masters of Nalanda’, as well as His Holiness’s name mantra.

Having lit a butter lamp on the altar behind the throne, His Holiness took his seat facing the assembly. To his left sat the former Ganden Tri Rinpoché, the Jangtsé Chöjé and abbots of the eleven monasteries. To his right sat the present Ganden Tri Rinpoché, Geshé Lharampa Lobsang Dorjé, and staff of the Ganden Phodrang. Officials from the Central Tibetan Administration sat with the monks in the front row of the congregation. The long-life prayer based upon the ‘Offering to the Spiritual Master’, the ‘Lama Chöpa’, began.

Tea and doughnuts were distributed. The tea was blessed with the recitation of a verse offering it to Jé Tsongkhapa and his two chief disciples.

This tea I offer to the three, the Father and his spiritual sons:
Tsongkhapa, trailblazer of the Buddhist tradition in Tibet,
Gyaltsap-jé, lord of reason and logic, and
Khedrup-jé, custodian of Sutra and Tantra teachings.

The doughnuts were blessed as follows:

This sumptuous offering of food with myriad flavours,
Flowers, fragrant incense, and lamps,
Actually displayed and mentally conjured up,
I offer to you, supreme field of merit.

After this, ceremonial sweet rice was served. Recitation of the ‘Lama Chöpa’ reached the poignant chanting of the Tsog Offering.

As the Vajra Master presiding over this ceremony, the Jangtsé Chöjé, Gosok Rinpoché, recited the request for His Holiness to live long and presented symbolic offerings such as a cushion marked with a crossed-vajra emblem. Flanked by the Abbots of Sera Mé and Sera Jé he first offered a mandala to His Holiness followed by representations of the body, speech and mind of enlightenment, a monk’s upper robe (namjar), a seat cover (dingwa), a monks lower robe, a monk’s staff (kharsil ), symbols of the eight auspicious objects, the seven royal emblems and eight auspicious substances.

The prayer for His Holiness’s long life composed by his two Tutors was recited as representatives of International Geluk Orgainsations and sponsors of this ceremony came forward to receive His Holiness’s blessings. The new Shartsé Chöjé offered a thanksgiving mandala. Staff of Sera Monastery came forward to receive blessings.

His Holiness then addressed the congregation: “Today, this Long-life Ceremony has been performed here in Sera. The monks of the three great monastic universities, Sera, Ganden and Drepung have placed firm faith and devotion in me for so many decades. I always feel close to these monastic institutions and the monks there treat me with especial respect. The trust and bond between us is unwavering. I make prayers for the well-being of monks here and in other institutions.

“As a result of my past actions and prayers I have made, I have a special connection with the Tibetan people. And when I think of serving them tears come to my eyes—because of the close feelings I have for them. From the depths of my heart, I will always be dedicated to the cause of Tibet and the thriving of the Dharma there, and in this connection, there are indications that I may live to be 110 years old.

“These monastic institutions, Sera, Ganden, Drepung and so forth are revered by people around the world who take interest in studying Buddhist philosophy. Many of these people, scientists especially, also treat me with special regard. They are attracted by the psychology that is part of our tradition.

“I will live a long life and I pray that the special bond I have with Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, as well as others who treat me with respect, will persist. That’s all I wish to say. You’ve offered these prayers for my long life with the single-pointed dedication of everyone concerned—and I have been glad to accept them.

“I can tell you that I will live to be 110 or more. So far, I have done my best to serve the people and Buddhadharma of Tibet. You in turn have offered these prayers for my long life. I would like to thank all of you.” Applause rippled through the crowd.

There were still verses from the Lama Chöpa to be recited from:

You are the Guru; you are the Deity; you are the Skyfarers and Religious Protectors.
From now until enlightenment, I shall seek no refuge other than you.
In this life, the intermediate state and all future lives, hold me with your hook of compassion.
Free me from fears of cyclic existence and peace, grant all attainments,
Be my constant friend and guard me against interference.

The ceremony came to a close with a verse of dedication for the flourishing of the tradition of Jé Tsongkhapa

May all be auspicious for the Buddhas' teachings to endure
Omniscient Lobsang Dr'ag-pa, through your centres of the doctrine,
Being filled with hosts of monks and yogis striving
Single-pointedly to master the three pure trainings.

Teachers and students from Sera Mé and Sera Jé Monasteries posed individually and in groups to have their photographs taken with His Holiness—and he was then invited to lunch.

Later in the afternoon, for more than an hour, His Holiness joined the monks of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery who had gathered in the debate yard from early morning offering prayers to mark the anniversary of the passing away 550 years ago of Gyalwa Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama and the founder of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.

His Holiness came down through the temple and at the steps before the door climbed into a golfcart. He then drove down to the debate courtyard in front of the temple and past the golden statue of the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo mounted on a horse.

The monks had gathered early in the morning and while waiting for His Holiness’s arrival recited the mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha. As he approached, they switched to reciting his name mantra. Once he reached the edge of the assembly of monks His Holiness got down from the golfcart and walked to where he took his seat facing the monks. They then chanted the ‘Praise to the Seventeen Masters of Nalanda’. Sharpa Chöjé Rinpoché sat to his right.

The first debate began with monks from Ganden Shartsé and Drepung Loseling posing as challengers while monks from Ratö and Drepung Gomang were respondents. To begin with they focussed on two lines from Nagarjuna’s ‘Fundamental Wisdom’, the ‘Mulamadhyamikakarika’. The debating monks touched on topics discussed in the various chapters of ‘Fundamental Wisdom’ including the assertions of lower schools of philosophy that things exist inherently because they have been produced. They discussed the ignorance of grasping at inherent existence, how dependent arising complements emptiness, and whether Arya Bodhisattvas perceive emptiness while they are fully absorbed in emptiness.

During the second debate monks from Tashi Lhunpo and Gaden Jangtsé stood as challengers while monks from Sera Jé and Sera Mé sat as respondents. Their debate focussed on the topic of Buddha Nature as it is explained in Maitreya’s ‘Sublime Continuum of the Great Vehicle’, the ‘Mahayana Uttaratantra’.

Challenged to say what the meaning of Buddha Nature is, the respondents declared that it is the main cause for accomplishing buddhahood. The debate went on to discuss the naturally abiding Buddha Nature and progressively nurtured Buddha Nature. As the vigorous debate reached a conclusion auspicious lines were said to bring it to a formal end. Representatives of the debating monks sought His Holiness’s blessing for them and their colleagues.

In a brief address to the gathering His Holiness mentioned how effective debate is as a method for overcoming misconceptions about reality.

“When I was studying, I used to practise debate with my debating assistants. I found it helped me a great deal when I encountered points that needed clarification. Debate really helped me gain insight and understanding of different topics.

“When we debate, we employ different logical processes. It is said that when you are able to persuade your opponent to concede to the truth of something that isn’t actually true, you have really become a proficient debater. Still, this may be simply an intellectual accomplishment. The real point of engaging in argument and debate however is to transform our minds. This we can do by coming to understand the various topics we’ve been studying in the light of logic and reason. It is in this context that debate is so important for enhancing our understanding. I feel that it is particularly effective.

“You have presented your debate skills here in front of me today and I’d like to thank you.

“When I was studying, I had several debate assistants among whom was one Déyang Rinpoché. He wasn’t as bright as some of the other debate assistants so when I debated with him, I used to win.

“Anyway, what I really want to stress to you is that debate is immensely effective method for helping us understand what we’ve been studying. Of course, there are other religious traditions such as Hinduism and so forth that are founded on faith. But in our studies of Buddhism, we investigate what the Buddha taught through the medium of debate. In the company of my debating assistants, I was able to investigate the teaching of the Buddha, which I found very beneficial. So, I would urge you too to delve into the teaching of the Buddha by employing logic and reasoning. Please, do your best in your studies.

“That’s all I have to say today.”

As His Holiness left the debate courtyard the monks chanted the prayer for his long life composed by his two tutors Kyabjé Ling Rinpoché and Kyabjé Trijang Rinpoché. In the golfcart he drove once more round the statue of Songtsen Gampo and up the driveway to the temple porch on his way back to where he is staying.

As it happens, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is presently staying at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery re-established in South India. His joining a large assembly to pray for the people of Shigatsé and Dingri is therefore especially propitious.

Members of the public from surrounding Tibetan settlements began to arrive very early this morning, and were admitted from 6:15am. Monks sat in orderly rows in the temple. While waiting for the formal prayers to begin, the congregation chanted the mantra of Buddha Shakyamuni.

When His Holiness arrived he took his seat facing colossal gilded images of the Buddha and the First Dalai Lama, as well as prominent photographs of the previous Panchen Rinpoché and his successor, Gendun Chökyi Nyima. To His Holiness’s right sat Sharpa Chöjé Rinpoché, Abbots and former Abbots. They were joined by retired members of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

Members of the media were allowed into the temple to observe and record His Holiness’s participation in the assembly.

Prayers began with the ‘Three Continuums’, a praise and supplication to the Buddha, followed by the verse for taking refuge and generating the awakening mind of Bodhichitta. Periodically His Holiness turned to survey the gathering of monks and catch their eye.

Prayers continued with the ‘Prayer of the Four Immeasurable Wishes’ and the ‘Samantabhadra Prayer—the King of Prayers’. Tibetan butter tea and bread were distributed and offering prayers were said to bless them.

The Tashi Lhunpo Disciplinarian announced the recitation of prayers led by His Holiness and other spiritual masters. He then read out a list of donations that had been made to support the gathering.

Following a verse of salutation from Nagarjuna’s ‘Fundamental Wisdom’,

‘In dependent arising
there is no ceasing, no arising,
no annihilation, no permanence,
no coming, no going,
no separateness and no sameness,
I prostrate to the consummate Buddha,
the supreme among all teachers,
the one who taught [this] peace,
which is free of elaborations,’

came a recitation of Jé Tsongkhapa’s ‘Praise to the Buddha for Teaching Dependent Arising’.

After chanting the 7th Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Kalsang Gyatso’s ‘Praise to Avalokiteshvara’, the entire assembly recited Avalokiteshvara’s mantra—Om mani padmé hung—for everyone affected by the earthquake. The session concluded with the ‘Prayer of True Words Invoking the Three Jewels’.

Before leaving the temple, His Holiness addressed the assembly as follows:

“Recently, a disastrous earthquake struck Tibet, causing casualties and widespread devastation. This was due to karma. People with no faith in the Dharma have no recourse than to be overwhelmed by grief. However, those of us who have faith in the Buddha Dharma can view experiences such as these as opportunities to purify negative karma created in the past and to cultivate positive thoughts for the future. In this way we can transform adversity into something positive. Disasters such as this can help us strengthen our resolve to engage diligently in generating the awakening mind of bodhichitta and an understanding of the view of emptiness.

“When faced with disasters such as this earthquake in Tibet, we can transform the way we think about it into factors on the path to enlightenment. The ability to do this is totally in our hands. Although negative karma has ripened, we can take it as an opportunity to strengthen our determination.

In my own case, seeing reports of the devastation the earthquake had brought strengthened my determination to cultivate bodhichitta, the view of emptiness and to make fervent supplications to Avalokiteshvara. Instead of losing heart and weeping in distress, transforming adversity into a factor on the path to enlightenment is an opportunity we practitioners can seize upon. Although many natural calamities are taking place in Tibet, we should be able to transform these misfortunes into factors on the path to enlightenment and pray that as a result we may actually make progress on the path. Survivors also should not lose heart but generate renewed determination.

“Tibet is unquestionably the land of the followers of Avalokiteshvara. Therefore, we should continuously and diligently cultivate positive thoughts. Seeing reports of the destruction that has taken place, the fruition of irreversible karma, has been really saddening. However, it would be helpful if we could view this tragedy as an opportunity to cultivate a genuine aspiration for enlightenment. This is how we can please Avalokiteshvara.

“We should not be disheartened. Earthquakes are natural calamities; we cannot blame anyone else for them. They are natural phenomena, not the result of human activities. Seen in this way, there is no reason to be angry with the Chinese. Since what has happened is a result of karma, Tibetans all over the world, those in Tibet and elsewhere, should work on cultivating positive thoughts.

“As far as China is concerned, it appears that the number of Chinese Buddhists is growing and increasing numbers of them respond to my name in a positive way.

“As I said earlier, we should not allow ourselves to become disheartened but work hard to cultivate positive thoughts we have not cultivated before, and to enhance those positive thoughts we have already cultivated. It is important to maintain the bonds between us that are founded on our unshakable faith and commitment.

“On my part, I have been really determined in the way I’ve lived my life, and I will continue to be determined until I am more than one hundred years old. We should all be resilient and diligently cultivate bodhichitta and the view of emptiness on a daily basis. This is an offering that will truly please the Buddhas. This is the best way to cultivate merit for this life and the life hereafter. We can also set an example to others of how to reduce thoughts of anger and attachment and bring about peace within ourselves.

“Generally, people around the world admire Tibetans. They appreciate our warm nature, and value the Tibetan way of life. I have many friends who respect Tibetans for their good manners.

“As I’ve already told you, I am determined to do my best. And if signs in my dreams and other indications are taken into account, I may live to be more than 110. I will do my best, and all of you, my Dharma friends, should do your best too. This tragedy that has taken place in Tibet should be neither a cause for anger nor something that makes us disheartened. By understanding how to transform hardship into factors on the path to enlightenment, we should be able to transform how we think of this disaster into an opportunity for hope.”

I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured.

The Dalai Lama
Bylakuppe, South India

His Holiness was received by a representative of the Mysore District administration, the Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the Chief Representative of the Southern Tibetan settlements, as well as Representatives of the five Tibetan Settlements in South India.

As he drove the 5.5kms to Tashi Lhunpo, members of the Tibetan community, monks and nuns, laypeople, many of them elderly and seated in wheelchairs, as well as children with special needs, lined the road, silk scarves and incense in their hands to greet him. Monks in their yellow hats played horns, drums and cymbals. Members of the Bylakuppe Opera Troupe danced and sang to greet him.

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery was decked out to welcome His Holiness. The driveway was decorated from the gate with coloured designs of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. Close to the temple the road, thickly carpeted with flower petals, swept up and round to enable His Holiness to step out of his car right in front of the doorway. He was welcomed by the Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the recently installed Ganden Tri Rinpoché and the former Ganden Tri Rinpoché.

His Holiness offered prayers as he entered the monastery. Once he had taken his seat in front of the throne he also lit a lamp as a mark of auspiciousness. The Abbot offered a mandala and representations of the body, speech and mind of enlightenment. The Prayer for His Holiness’s Long Life written by his two Tutors was recited and tea and ceremonial rice were served, after which His Holiness addressed the gathering.

“Today, I have come to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery which was founded by the All-knowing Gyalwa Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. In Tibet the monastery was renowned for the quality of the monks’ studies of Buddhist philosophy and logic. Gyalwa Ensepa was celebrated for the way he taught the essence of the pith instructions.

“After the upheaval that took place in Tibet, the seat of learning known as Tashi Lhunpo was re-established here in exile. It is one of Tibet’s most important monasteries. Gyalwa Gendun Drup founded the monastery. I am his successor and I feel happy and honoured to have reached here today.

“The principal purpose of a monastery, as I always advise, is to be a centre of learning, providing monks and nuns the opportunity to study the curriculum and put what they learn into practice.

“Today, in this world, even people who are not Buddhists are taking an interest in what the Buddha taught. Many, scientists among them, are attracted by our use of reason and logic. This is a tradition we have kept alive down the centuries.”

His Holiness recalled that not so long ago he was attending a meeting in the beautiful Thai temple in Bodhgaya, the venue for a meeting of members of the Sangha, who pursue the Three Trainings and the study of the Three Baskets of the Buddha’s teachings. During the proceedings he had a vision of the Buddha in the midst of the gathering. The Enlightened One beckoned him forward and invited him to sit beside him. His Holiness said that he had a clear vision of the Buddha, who seemed to be very pleased with him and the effort he has made to work for the Dharma.

“Members of the monastic institutions here should work to uphold the Buddha’s teachings, especially in this degenerate age. There is interest in what the Buddha taught in China and in places that were not traditionally Buddhist. The tradition followed by those of us gathered here emphasizes the use of reason and logic. By exercising discipline we learn to control our negative emotions. This isn’t just a matter of faith, but of using reason and discipline to bring about peace of mind within ourselves. This approach is unique to the teaching of the Buddha.

“We talk about aiming to reach Buddhahood, but we won’t do that on the basis of faith alone, but by relying on reason and logic. I, as a Bhikshu, a sincere follower of the Buddha, as soon as I wake in the morning, I meditate on the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the view of emptiness. This I do on a daily basis and it gives me confidence. That’s all, thank you.”

His Holiness left for his quarters in the monastery as the assembled congregation chanted the Prayer of the Words of Truth, followed by a verse from the Great Fifth Dalai Lama’s ‘Secret Visions’ to the effect that all malevolent spirits and interferences may be overcome by the truth of the Three Jewels.

“President Carter lived a truly meaningful life, he wrote, with decades of untiring efforts to help the poor and downtrodden, to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts and to advance democracy and human rights throughout the world. To have remained active over the course of such a long life set an example to us all of how to live our lives in the service of others. The Nobel Committee recognized his contribution to the welfare of humanity when it bestowed the Nobel Peace Prize on him in 2002.

“In addition, the Tibetan people and I remain ever grateful to President Carter for his deep interest in and concern for the situation in Tibet and for undertaking initiatives to help alleviate the plight our people.”

“I will remember him in my prayers,” he wrote, “and offer my condolences to you and your family at this sad time.

“Whenever we met over the years I deeply appreciated his concern and good counsel. I felt he was like an elder brother to me.

“Your husband was motivated by a strong wish to help others. He made a significant contribution to India’s development and prosperity, especially its economic growth, improving the lot of the Indian people. He was also a good friend to the Tibetan people.

His Holiness ended his letter: “We can rejoice that for 92 years he lived a truly meaningful life—an inspiration to us all.”

Inside the temple, His Holiness took his seat facing the statue of the Buddha and a large thangka painting of the Lama Chöpa merit field. To his right sat Ling Rinpoché and the Lobpön of Namgyal Monastery. To his left were the Abbot of Namgyal Monastery and the former Abbot of Sera-mé Monastery.

The ceremony began with a recitation of the ‘Prayer in Three Continuums’ followed by the ‘Offering to the Spiritual Master’, the ‘Lama Chöpa’, interspersed with a mandala offering, a review of the Bodhisattva and Tantric Vows, verses of confession and then the nine line ‘Mig-tse-ma’ prayer in praise of Jé Tsongkhapa.

Next was chanted the ‘Secret Biography of Jé Tsongkhapa’ by Jamyang Chöjé, the praise, ‘From the Peak of the Eastern Mountain’, and the Seventh Dalai Lama’s brief guru-yoga prayer inviting Jé Rinpoché in the same nature as your own Lama.

A ‘tsog’, feast offering was conducted followed by the ‘Song of the Spring Queen’. Then, returning to the ‘Offering to the Spiritual Master’ there was a review of the stages of the path.

Verses of praise from Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara, Vajra-Bhairava and Kalachakra—including the ‘Manjushrinamasangiti’, ‘Chanting the Names of Manjushri’, were recited at a swift pace. They were followed by aspirational prayers from Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara, Vajra-Bhairava and Kalachakra.

Recitation of the ‘Offering to the Spiritual Master' came to an end. Dedication prayers, including the auspicious prayer from Vajra-Bhairava Tantra, the prayer for His Holiness’s long life by his two tutors, the ‘Words of Truth’ and the dedication verses from the Samantabhadra prayer were sung.

Finally came the ‘Prayer for the Spread of Tsongkhapa’s Teachings’, the verse stating ‘you elucidated the path combining emptiness and compassion’ that Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoché requested His Holiness to compose and the appeal to overcome Dolgyal from the writings of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama.

His Holiness rose from his seat and spent some moments surveying the monks in the temple, a look of joy on his face, and waved to them. While the Chant-master led the congregation in a recitation of the ‘Mig-tse-ma’ prayer in celebration of Tsongkhapa’s qualities, His Holiness left the temple and, smiling and waving as he went, walked to the lift. At the edge of the temple yard he boarded a golf cart that drove him back to his residence.

As His Holiness reached the gate to his residence Gibong Rinpoché and Lochen Rinpoché representing the people of Kinnaur stepped up to greet him. At the edge of the temple yard a Kinnauri man and women presented a traditional welcome, offering His Holiness tsampa and curd.

The aisle was lined by Kinnauri women in their finery, richly patterned shawls and elaborate headgear. They sang to His Holiness to greet him. He waved to members of the public gathered on either side to watch him pass, smiling warmly at them. Meanwhile, in the temple a mantra was recited that combined that of Arya Tara with His Holiness’s long name mantra.

Facing His Holiness after he had taken his seat, and presiding over today’s long-life ceremony, was Gibong Rinpoché, the reincarnation of Gyen Rigzin Tenpa, one of His Holiness’s teachers. To His Holiness’s left sat Lochen Rinpoché and to his right the reincarnation of Khunnu Lama Tenzin Gyaltsen another of his teachers. The Lamas were joined by 1800 people from Kinnaur in upper Himachal Pradesh.

Prayers began with the ‘Prayer in Three Parts’ followed by the ‘Seven Limb Prayer’. Tea and ceremonial sweet rice were offered and distributed among the crowd. A procession of Kinnauris bearing offerings such as sacred statues and volumes of scripture filed through the temple.

Gibong Rinpoché offered His Holiness a mandala of the universe along with representations of the body, speech and mind of enlightenment. Lochen Rinpoché offered the Long-life Vase, blessed during the ritual of Arya Tara the Wish-granting Wheel, as well as the nectar and pills of longevity. They were followed, as participants in the offering, by Khunu Lama Jangchub Nyima and Ga Rinpoché. His Holiness gave each of them a statue of the Buddha.

The prayer for His Holiness’s long life composed by his two Tutors, Ling Rinpoché and Trijang Rinpoche was recited. The prayer includes a refrain:

... we offer our prayers with fervent devotion:
That Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the Land of Snows live for a hundred aeons.
Shower on him your blessings so that his aspirations are fulfilled without hindrance.

and goes on:

We pray that by the power of this prayer
Expressed from a heart filled with fervent devotion and humility,
May the body, speech and mind of the heart of the Land of Snows,
The supreme Ngawang Lobsang Tenzin Gyatso,
Be indestructible, unfluctuating and unceasing;
May he live for a hundred aeons,
Seated on a diamond throne, transcending decay and destruction.

Addressing the congregation, His Holiness began:

“Today, here we are assembled in a place where people interested in the Buddhadharma can gather in joy and delight. I am someone who was born in Amdo and travelled to Lhasa, where I sat for my final exams in courtyards of the great monastic universities and the Jokhang temple.

“I have received oral transmissions, guided instructions and empowerments and many teachings from my Senior Tutor Ling Rinpoché to whom I am most grateful. He didn’t make light of things and was often quite stern, but he was very dedicated when it came to teaching. I studied philosophy with him. Trijang Rinpoché kindly taught me too.

“In addition, I received the support of a number of Debate Assistants. Among them Deyang Tsenshab was learned but humble, and in debate I took advantage of that. Ngodup Tsognyi was skilled at capturing the precise point of the debate. He was really helpful.

“Now, we’ve been in exile a long time, but we have gained opportunities too. If we had not come into exile, I doubt that I would have been able to study as thoroughly as I did. I’d have been caught up in all sorts of rituals and so forth.

“Tibetans inside and outside Tibet have shown great faith in me and I’ve done my best to fulfil that faith. Today, members of the monasteries and nunneries and the lay communities of Kinnaur are offering prayers for my long-life based on White Tara the Wish-granting Wheel.”

While his words were translated into Hindi, His Holiness put on a Kinnauri hat and smiled. He reiterated that although coming into exile involved being parted from his country, the experience had also provided Kinnauris, Tibetans and growing numbers of people from around the world to appreciate what he had to say.

“As human beings,” he continued, “we should live in a way that accords with dignity, honesty and warm-heartedness. Without concern for past or future lives, as human beings our primary interest should be in helping others. This is something that people who are not Buddhists, as well as Buddhists, can appreciate.

“I teach how to cultivate humility and a peaceful mind. If we can achieve love and compassion, it will lead to harmony among people around the world. And if we do that, our lives will have been meaningful and worthwhile. On the other hand, it would just be unfortunate to fight on the basis of ‘us’ and ‘them’. To share our lives with others out of love and compassion for them and a sense of the oneness of humanity is the best way to lead our lives.

“As human beings living on this earth, we need to be honest and truthful, to cultivate love and compassion for each other and avoid making enemies. I feel I have made some contribution to helping others appreciate this and you too have done your best—for which I thank you.”

His Holiness declared that the best gift of the Dharma is generate the Bodhisattva vow. He remarked that he meditates on the awakening mind of bodhichitta as soon as he wakes every morning and he renews his Bodhisattva vow soon after.

He noted that in exile he’s faced many ups and downs, but has taken strength from the Buddha’s teaching that speaks of nurturing a good heart—a kind intention to benefit others.

“Dharma,” he said, “is about taming our minds and cultivating a heart intent on being of help to others. Here we are in the Land of the Buddha where we can take the Bodhisattva vow and observe Bodhichitta as part of our daily lives.

“As I’ve already said, I renew my Bodhisattva vow every day. I feel it gives me the love, compassion and courage to work for others. It helps me dedicate myself to the well-being of others, which is why it is fundamentally beneficial.

“The Buddha Shakyamuni passed away more than 2500 years ago and yet his teaching has not become stale, it remains relevant today. Consequently, today, people without any prior connection or interest in Buddhism are taking an interest in it. Even in China, where there has been strong opposition to religion, people’s faith in Buddhism is firm.

“So, let’s seize this precious opportunity to take the Bodhisattva vow with delight in our hearts. This will be something significant. Please think about how fortunate we are.”

His Holiness described how to visualize the Buddha in front surrounded by the Sixteen Arhats, the Six Ornaments and Two Supremes, the Tibetan Dharma Kings and masters of all the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He asked the congregation to recite the following verses three times after him and to try to take the vow daily as he himself does.

I seek refuge in the Three Jewels;
Each and every wrongdoing I confess.
I rejoice in the virtues of all beings.
I take to heart the state of Buddhahood.

I go for refuge until I am enlightened
To the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Supreme Assembly,
In order to fulfil the aims of myself and others
I develop the awakening mind.

Having developed the aspiration for highest enlightenment,
I invite all sentient beings as my guests,
I shall enact the delightful supreme enlightening practices.
May I become a Buddha to benefit all sentient beings.

After that His Holiness gave the transmission of the mantras of the Buddha, of Avalokiteshvara, Tara and Guru Rinpoché.

He thanked all those who had contributed to offering prayers today for his long life. He told them that indications in his dreams suggest that he will live to be more than one hundred and ten years old, which was met with joyful applause.

His Holiness reviewed his life once more, recalling his birth in Siling, his studies in Central Tibet, his visit to China and his coming into exile. In the face of different ups and downs, he affirmed that it has been bodhichitta that has brought him peace of mind, a good heart, courage and inner strength.

The long-life ceremony came to an end with the recitation of the ‘Prayer of the Words of Truth’ that His Holiness composed in 1960. The prayer ends:

Thus, the protector Chenrezig made vast prayers
Before the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
To fully embrace the Land of Snows;
May the good results of these prayers now quickly appear.

By the profound interdependence of emptiness and relative forms,
Together with the force of great compassion in the Three Jewels and their Words of Truth,
And through the power of the infallible law of actions and their fruits,
May this truthful prayer be unhindered and quickly fulfilled.

“I have long admired the United States of America as the champion of democracy, freedom and the rule of law,” he wrote. “The world places great hope in the democratic vision and leadership of the U.S.A. In these times of great uncertainty and upheaval in several parts of the world, it is my hope that you will provide leadership in bringing about peace and stability.

“The Tibetan people and I have been honoured to have received the support of respective U.S. Presidents and the American people, in our endeavour to protect and preserve our ancient Buddhist culture—a culture of peace, non-violence and compassion that has the potential to benefit humanity as a whole.

His Holiness concluded, “I wish you every success in meeting the many challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the American people and in contributing to peace in the world.”

“As I have mentioned before,” he wrote, “I have had the privilege of knowing three generations of your family from the days of Sheikh Abdullah to you. I treasure our friendship.

“I wish you every success in meeting whatever challenges may lie ahead and the opportunities arise to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.”