His Holiness the Dalai Lama … happy birthday to you today as you turn 85 years old!

Thirty to forty years ago I lined up to enter New York City’s Central Park to listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a Tibetan spiritual leader, speak. What first struck me was how quietly thousands of people could stand and wait to enter the grassy area of the park and for him to arrive. And then we listened to his insights.

In 2001 while trekking in Nepal, I became most interested in Mount Everest and learning more about Buddhism. For years since, I continue to read and watch programs about the Himalayan Mountains and mountaineers, along with some Buddhist readings.

Through the years, I have read and listened to the Tibetan spiritual leader. Not for any chosen religion, but to learn what he is saying about moral values, love and compassion, global issues and Buddhism. I had always loved the fact he believed in science. He has had no political responsibilities the last 10 years, yet the Chinese government still cannot tolerate or welcome any ideas he has offered, such as the Five Point Peace Plan presented in 1987. Unfortunately too, he may never be able to return to his homeland which he had hoped could be a demilitarized zone.

The Dalai Lama has lived in exile for almost 70 years in a beautiful area near Dharamshala, India. In 2017, I did visit there and the Tibetan Refuge Village. The Dalai Lama was not in town, but the Tibetan Buddhist spirit surely was evident.

There are many Dalai Lama quotes. Today I have chosen one of the “overcoming difficulties” quotes:

Tolerance is very important. If you have tolerance, you can easily overcome difficulties. If you have little tolerance or are without it, then the smallest thing immediately irritates you.

– His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Happy birthday to you. I wish you good health for years to come. Namaste.