Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 14: Scholars, religious leaders, and researchers from across the globe convened in New Delhi on Sunday to honor the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and to explore the lasting significance of his spiritual teachings in the contemporary world. The international conference, organized by the New Delhi-based International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), was held under the theme “Celebrating the Legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama – Spiritual Wisdom and Global Relevance.”
Held at The Ashok Hotel on July 13, the international conference brought together over 500 participants, including prominent Buddhist leaders and scholars from across India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, Russia, Mongolia, and Mexico. The event served as a heartfelt tribute to the Dalai Lama’s nine decades of compassionate service and provided a platform to reflect on the ongoing impact of his teachings in addressing today’s global challenges.
His Eminence Professor Samdhong Rinpoche served as the Guest of Honour. Among the special guests were Venerable Phrarat Vajarasuttiwong Dhammalongkornvibhusit Arayawangso of Thailand; the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche; the 105th Gaden Tripa Jetsun Lobsang Dorje Pel Zangpo; Professor Ceon Ramon from the University of Washington; Khenpo Dr. Ngawang Jorden, Principal of the International Buddhist Academy in Kathmandu; Dr. Tashi Choedron from the Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia and the Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council; and Professor Sisir Roy, Visiting Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, India.
A special message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama was read by H.E. Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche. In his message, the Tibetan spiritual leader expressed sincere gratitude to the organizers and participants for bringing global attention to the essential values of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism. Reflecting on his six decades in exile following the Chinese invasion of Tibet, His Holiness noted that living in India for the past 66 years has allowed him to deepen his understanding of India’s ancient wisdom and to promote mental well-being and peace worldwide.
“We Tibetans are deeply indebted to the Government and people of India for the warm hospitality they have shown us since 1959,” the Dalai Lama wrote. “We are also most grateful for the generous support we have received in our endeavours to protect and preserve our Buddhist culture that is founded on India’s age-old values of karuna (compassion) and ahimsa (non-violence).” He concluded with prayers for global peace and reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to serving humanity.
The conference featured three main discussion themes; “Relevance of the Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the 21st Century,” “Quantum Physics, Neuroscience and Buddhism,” and “The Future of Tibetan Buddhism and the Preservation of Culture.”
The conference concluded with a formal declaration delivered by Venerable Ananda Bhante, Vice-President of the IBC. The statement marked the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and conveyed deep gratitude for his lifelong commitment to peace, non-violence, and the spiritual upliftment of humanity. It emphasized that his teachings have transcended national borders and religious affiliations, touching and inspiring millions across the globe.
The declaration also acknowledged His Holiness’s recent affirmation that the matter of his reincarnation rests solely within the Tibetan spiritual tradition and should remain free from external interference. This was hailed as a significant assertion of Tibetan religious freedom and cultural self-determination. Furthermore, the declaration praised the Dalai Lama’s steadfast efforts to safeguard Tibetan identity and spiritual heritage, foster interfaith dialogue and harmony, and uphold universal values rooted in ethical responsibility and compassion.
