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Key Points

Tibetan and Korean Buddhist communities gathered in Busan to celebrate the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday with sacred rituals. The ceremony featured mandala offerings, prayers, and shared devotion between both traditions. Leaders highlighted the Dalai Lama's global peace efforts while attendees honored him with ceremonial scarves. The event concluded with a communal meal and hopes for his spiritual legacy to endure.

Key Points: Tibetans and Koreans Honor Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday in Busan Ceremony

  • Tibetan and Korean monks performed Guru Yoga and mandala offerings
  • White scarves were offered as a mark of respect
  • Korean Buddhist leaders praised Dalai Lama's peace efforts
  • Celebrations included a vegetarian feast and symbolic birthday cake
2 min read

Tibetans and Koreans celebrate His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's 90th birthday with a long-life prayer ceremony

Tibetan and Korean Buddhists unite in Busan for a Long Life Prayer Ceremony celebrating the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday with rituals and shared devotion.

"The atmosphere was both reverent and celebratory, with emotional moments during shared prayers and the symbolic uniting of Tibetan and Korean traditions. – Local Tibetan Organizers"

Busan, July 8

The Tibetan and Korean Buddhist communities in Busan came together to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with a Long Life Prayer Ceremony held at Gwaneumsa Temple on July 6, according to local Tibetan organizers.

The event, known in Korean as Jangsu Kido Beobhoe, began at 9:30 AM and was marked by traditional Tibetan and Korean Buddhist rituals. A large portrait of His Holiness was placed before the temple's main altar, which features the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara (Gwaneum Bosal), symbolising compassion--a virtue strongly associated with the Dalai Lama.

The spiritual ceremony included mandala offerings, long-life prayers, and collective chanting of Guru Yoga by both Tibetan and Korean monks. Lay practitioners and attendees offered ceremonial white scarves, or khatags, to the portrait of the Dalai Lama, expressing their respect and prayers for his continued guidance.

Leaders from the Korean Buddhist sangha delivered remarks highlighting the Dalai Lama's contributions to global peace and harmony. The atmosphere was both reverent and celebratory, with emotional moments during shared prayers and the symbolic uniting of Tibetan and Korean traditions.

Following the ceremony, participants shared a vegetarian meal and enjoyed a three-tiered birthday cake inscribed with "Happy Birthday to Your Holiness the Dalai Lama." Group photos and warm conversations followed, strengthening bonds between the two communities.

The term "Dalai Lama" means "Ocean of Wisdom" in Mongolian. In Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lamas are revered as incarnations of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1949, the 14th Dalai Lama assumed full political authority but fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising.

Since then, His Holiness has lived in exile in Dharamshala, India, promoting peace, compassion, and Tibetan cultural preservation. Celebrations of his 90th birthday took place not only in South Korea but across Tibetan communities worldwide.

The diaspora expressed hope that the Dalai Lama's spiritual legacy will endure through a future recognised reincarnation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting to see Korean-Tibetan cultural connections. India has hosted His Holiness for decades now - our country has always been a safe haven for spiritual seekers. But I wonder, will China ever allow a peaceful resolution for Tibet?
A
Aditya G
While I respect the Dalai Lama's spiritual teachings, we must be careful not to upset our important relationship with China. India has its own challenges and can't afford unnecessary tensions with neighbors. Just my practical view.
S
Shreya B
The mandala offerings and white scarves tradition reminds me of our own puja rituals! 🪔 It's heartwarming to see how Buddhism connects cultures across Asia. Dharamshala has become such an important center for Tibetan culture thanks to India's hospitality.
V
Vikram M
His Holiness is truly a global treasure. I had the privilege of attending one of his talks in Delhi - the simplicity and depth of his wisdom is remarkable. At 90, he still radiates such positive energy. Long may he continue his work!
K
Kavya N
The vegetarian meal and three-tier cake sound lovely! 🎂 It's nice to see celebrations that combine spirituality with simple joys. Makes me want to visit Dharamshala to experience Tibetan culture firsthand.

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