Dalai Lama celebrates 75th birthday

Dharamshala, Jul 6 (PTI) Tibetan spiritual leader, the
Dalai Lama, on Tuesday celebrated his 75th birthday, breaking
from tradition to accept greetings in person from hundreds of
cheering supporters from across the globe.
"When I see these pictures and remember my past, I know
my life has not been wasted," the Dalai Lama told people who
braved heavy rains to greet the leader at a temple near his
official residence in McLeod Ganj, 15 km from here in northern
India.
The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed
uprising against Chinese rule, walked through the crowd
smiling and waving as he received gifts and traditional white
scarves from his followers and appeared to be in fine health.
"Even at this age, I find time for my Buddhist
studies that give me strength, peace, happiness and good
health," he said, and urged the crowd to show compassion to
others.
The Dalai Lama regretted that Tibetans in his native
land would not be allowed to mark his birthday by the Chinese
authorities.
The Dalai Lama later said that he was not concerned
about the issue of his successor and the Chinese were "more
worried" about it due to political reasons.
He said the institution of the Dalai Lama may also
fade away "but the teachings of the Dalai will continue to
guide the people".
The celebrations began with the chanting of prayers by
top monks. The members of the Tibetan Government greeted the
leader.
Tibetan prime minister-in-exile Samdhong Rinpoche
raised the Tibetan flag and the Dalai Lama watched a colourful
cultural programme by members of the Tibetan community to
celebrate his birthday.
It was a rare occasion as the Dalai Lama generally
avoids coming out in public on his birthday. PTI