Dalai Lama Marks His Ninetieth Birthday - Seemingly Overlooked by the Global Community?
In the heart of Germany, the state of Hesse has been privileged to host the Dalai Lama, the revered spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, more than 50 times in recent decades. This long-standing friendship between the Dalai Lama and Hesse has been beautifully documented in the book "Has the World Forgotten the Dalai Lama? A Retrospective on 40 Years of Friendship in Hesse and What Moved It."
The Dalai Lama, who turned 90 in 2005, has been a steadfast advocate for Tibetan autonomy under Chinese rule since his exile in India in 1959. Despite facing numerous challenges, his mission continues to resonate, as evidenced by the 18,000 people who gathered in Kurpark, Wiesbaden, to listen to him speak in 2005.
One of his most ardent supporters has been Roland Koch, the former Minister President of Hesse. Koch has consistently advocated for the Dalai Lama's mission, even inviting him to Hesse despite China's protests. In 2005, Koch honoured the Dalai Lama with the Hessian Peace Prize.
The Dalai Lama's visits to Hesse have been marked by warm interactions. During a car ride, he was seen holding his son's hand the whole time, according to bodyguard Zimmermann. His visits also included speaking engagements at the Hessian State Parliament, visits to Hessenpark, and leisurely strolls through the cloister garden in Seligenstadt.
Recently, the Dalai Lama has reaffirmed that the authority to recognize his future reincarnation rests solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the official office of the Dalai Lama. This trust, in consultation with various Tibetan Buddhist leaders and traditional Dharma Protectors, will follow established customary procedures for searching and recognizing the next Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama has made it clear that no other entity has the right to interfere in this matter.
The Chinese regime's calculation regarding the Dalai Lama's reincarnation has been deemed ineffective by Gyaltsen, the envoy of His Holiness. The Dalai Lama himself has expressed his daily prayer, stating that he will be reborn to alleviate the suffering of all beings.
Throughout his visits, the Dalai Lama has been known for his friendly demeanour and quick wit. Joachim Zimmermann, a former bodyguard, remembers him as always having a joke on his lips.
As the Dalai Lama's visits to Hesse continue to leave lasting impressions, the question of whether the world has forgotten the Dalai Lama seems far from the truth. His message of peace and compassion continues to resonate, and his legacy in Hesse stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the Dalai Lama and the people of Hesse.
[1] Source: Official statement by the Dalai Lama and the Gaden Phodrang Trust.
With such a rich history of presence in Hesse, the Dalai Lama's influence extends beyond spirituality and politics. His visits have been a boon to the state's fashion-and-beauty and entertainment worlds, with celebrities often seen attending his talks. In fact, the Dalai Lama's lifestyle, imbued with wisdom and humor, has been a source of inspiration in the realm of pop-culture, being frequently highlighted in various media forums discussing fashion, beauty, and entertainment trends. Furthermore, his personal dedication to peace continues to shape the lifestyle perspective of his supporters, reflecting a broader influence that goes beyond the borders of Hesse.
