Turning 85 on Monday, July 6, Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama appeals to his followers to recite the Mani mantra to celebrate his birthday.
Dedicating him the ‘Year of Gratitude’, the followers of the spiritual leader began the global virtual celebrations. Saying that it was not possible for a large number of people to hold a big celebration in the wake of the COVID-19 restrictions, the spiritual leader in a video message said, “And it is not necessary either. However, if you want to celebrate my birthday, I would like to ask you to recite the Mani mantra (Om Mani Padme Hung), at least a thousand times. The reason for my asking this is that we Tibetans have a unique connection with Avalokiteshvara.”
“So if you wish to celebrate my birthday, if you want to get together may not be so bad, you needn’t be extravagant about it. However, on this day, remember Avalokiteshvara and recall that he is the one on whom I Gyalwa Rinpoche, rely, and in whom I seek refuge,” he added.