Today Is a Special Day — His Holiness the Dalai Lama Turns 91

Around the world, Buddhists spend this day in prayer, good deeds, and reflection on the path of compassion and wisdom. At the Central Khurul, the Sangsol ritual was held from early morning. For it, the monks carefully prepared a special offering: milk, butter, sour cream, sugar, flour, and honey were mixed with incense and offered through fire to all the deities. In these actions — a heartfelt plea for the long life of our Spiritual Teacher, that the light of his wisdom may continue to illuminate the world, giving people support and hope. Every year a great many of the faithful — both old and young — come to pay their respects to the Teacher and offer prayers for him. In a single impulse of hearts, mantras resound, the aroma of incense drifts through the air, and in each soul a quiet feeling of gratitude is born that the Dalai Lama's teaching continues to live and warm hearts.