‘Dalai Lama’s birthday (75) Celebrations’

Dalai Lama’s birthday (75) Celebrations – Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, turns 75 years old on Tuesday.

The birthday will just be another day in the life of this ‘simple Buddhist monk’ as he describes himself. Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader revered among the people of Tibet. He is the head of the government-in-exile based in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India. Tibetans traditionally believe him to be the reincarnation of his predecessors.

Vegetarianism: Turn vegetarian on or off on DalaiLama B’day?

In Tibet, meat being the most common food, most monks have historically been omnivores, including the Dalai Lamas. After getting jaundice, his doctors advised him to return to eating meat. This became controversial when he visited the White House and was offered a vegetarian menu, he rejected it and replied “I’m a Tibetan Monk not a vegetarian”.[85]

The Dalai Lama, despite his age, continues to travel throughout the world, meeting presidents, prime ministers and rulers of various countries and giving his teachings on Buddhism. Scores of books, encompassing his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion, have been written about him and his philosophy all over the world.
He himself has authored over 70 books.