Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 10: In a historic first, the revered Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama was offered a Long Life Prayer by Tibetan youth along with Lhokha Cultural & Welfare Association and Namgyal Institute Ithaca on Wednesday morning at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala.
The ceremonial long-life prayer, traditionally led by the elder generation, was offered by young Tibetans. More than 5,000 registrants from 33 countries participated in this initiative, with over 1,000 youth attending in person and thousands more engaging online, united in deep reverence, gratitude, and a shared sense of responsibility.
The ceremony was held under the guidance of Dorjee Lopon, His Eminence Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, and graced by the presence of His Eminence Avikrita Rinpoche. It featured Bhutsul sacred offerings, including: traditional Mandala for long life; Tse Lha Nam Sum: Prayers to the three longevity and purification deities — Amitayus, Goddess Ushnish Vijaya, and White Tara; Gyen Druk Chok Nyi: Honoring the Six Ornaments and Two Supreme Ones, symbolizing the Indian Nalanda masters and His Holiness’s commitment to reviving ancient Indian wisdom; and Custom Thangka, depicting the consolidated pledges of over 5,000 Tibetan youth participating in the ceremony.
Speaking to Phayul, Chemi Lhamo, member of the organizing committee, said, “As a young Tibetan and member of the organizing committee, I feel, like many Tibetans, a deep reverence and gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his lifelong service, not only to our people but to the world since he was recognized at the age of two. Offering a Tenshug is one way to honor that service within our tradition.“
“While we’ve seen many long-life offerings from different regions, religious schools, and organizations, we felt it was time for Tibetan youth to come together. Our vision was rooted in unity, beyond regional, religious, or organizational lines, bringing together young Tibetans from across the globe, including those inside Tibet. With His Holiness’s 90th birthday approaching, we wanted this milestone to be marked by a collective offering from the younger generation, as both a gesture of gratitude and a prayer for his long life,” she added.
Tenzin Sonam Atruktsang from the U.S. shared his reflections on taking part in the youth-led Tenshug. “As I grow older, I feel the need to contribute more actively to my community. With His Holiness also advancing in age, I believe it is vital for us, as youth, to participate in such offerings. For me, the greatest prayer is that His Holiness continues to be with us and remains the guiding force of our struggle,” he told Phayul.
Tenzin Kunsang from Boston told Phayul that her main motivation to attend the long-life prayer ceremony was His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. “He has done so much for the Tibetan people, especially the youth, and I felt the least we could do was to offer a long-life prayer as a gesture of thanksgiving and to honor everything he has done for us,” she said.
“This is a pivotal time for our community. As Tibetans are spread across the world, we, the younger generation, must step up as ambassadors for Tibet and carrying forward His Holiness’s legacy by promoting our culture, advocating for our cause, and staying united,” she opined.
This historic long-life prayer ceremony will be followed by the Tibetan Youth Festival, a three-day event from September 11 to 13 at Upper Tibetan Children’s Village School. Held under the theme Damtsik – Pledge, Drelam – Dialogue, Gahzom – Gathering and Celebration, the festival seeks to foster dialogue, strengthen unity, and preserve Tibetan culture.
