Hollywood star Richard Gere arrives in Dharamshala early for Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday

Hollywood star Richard Gere arrives in Dharamshala early for Dalai Lama's 90th birthday

TNR News Network
Dharamshala:


Renowned Hollywood actor and long-time supporter of the Tibetan cause, Richard Gere, arrived at Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh to participate in the early celebrations marking the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.


The festivities, which began on June 30 in alignment with the Tibetan calendar, have transformed the hill town and nearby regions of Kangra into a hub of spiritual gatherings and global unity.


Though the Dalai Lama’s birthday falls on July 6 by the Gregorian calendar, ceremonial events and religious rituals have already drawn a significant number of international spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and followers from around the world.

Richard Gere honours Dalai Lama’s legacy at Nechung Monastery

During a visit to the Nechung Monastery, Richard Gere expressed deep reverence for the Tibetan spiritual leader: “We are here in Dharamshala to celebrate His Holiness’s 90th birthday — to honour his enduring health, his compassion and his strength. Nechung Monastery is a place very close to my heart. The Nechung Oracle has visited my home in the US and shares a special bond with my son. Being here always feels like returning to family.”


A key highlight of the celebrations at Nechung Monastery was a powerful ritual in which the Nechung Oracle, one of the spiritual protectors of the Tibetan people, entered a trance-like state to offer blessings to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and its leadership. The ceremony was attended by CTA President Penpa Tsering, ministers, lawmakers and hundreds of Tibetan devotees.

Dalai Lama reaffirms message of peace, compassion

During the June 30 ceremony at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama made a brief appearance, reaffirming his lifelong commitment to peace, non-violence and service to humanity. He also expressed gratitude to his followers and the global community for their continued support.


The celebrations have taken on an interfaith dimension, reflecting the Dalai Lama’s influence beyond Buddhist circles. Prominent spiritual figures from various traditions joined in honoring his life and teachings.

Upcoming events and global reflections

From July 2 to 4, Dharamshala will host an international Buddhist conference featuring senior monks and scholars from various global traditions. The conference will delve into spiritual teachings and contemporary issues, culminating in a much-anticipated address by the Dalai Lama, where he is expected to speak on the future of the Tibetan reincarnation tradition, a topic of global religious and political interest.


Additionally, the International Buddhist Confederation will organise a special commemorative event in New Delhi on July 13, continuing the celebration of a spiritual figure whose influence transcends borders and belief systems.

TNR News Network

TNR News Network

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