Dalai Lama celebrates 77th birthday in Dharamsala

On July 6, thousands turned out in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 77th birthday. The birthday celebrations began in the early morning at Lhagyal-ri, which is only a short walk down the hill from the monastery where His Holiness resides. Dr. Lobsang Sanjay, Tibet's current Kalon Tripa who was present at the celebrations (which included long-life prayers and incense burning ceremonies) said:

"Today is the most auspicious day not only for the people of the Land of Snow but also for the entire world. Though Tibetans are confronted with an unparalleled tragedy in our history, we have still been able to establish and sustain a successful and an exemplary refugee community under the visionary leadership of His Holiness."

His Holiness spoke to the "courage and fortitude" of those living inside of Chinese-occupied Tibet, who he said were celebrating with attendees in Dharamsala in spirit, also remarking, "For me, every day is a new day, and every day is an opportunity to benefit others."

In other news, the Dalai Lama recently received the city seal of Milan, Italy from mayor Giuliano Pisapia on June 26. The seal was given in lieu of citizenship to the city, which Milan backed away from over worries that it would hurt relations with China. Protesters who were unhappy with City Council's buckling to Chinese pressure a week prior attended,  holding a banner that read, "Shame on You Pisapia!"

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