Dalai Lama prepares to celebrate 80th birthday amid expected protests
China accuses the Dalai Lama of trying to split Tibet from the rest of China and has called him a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”.
The Dalai Lama will launch three days of celebrations on Sunday in California for his 80th birthday at what is billed as a Global Compassion Summit but which is expected to draw protests.
Thousands of followers and fans of the Tibetan spiritual leader are to attend events in Anaheim and at the University of Irvine, including on his actual birthday Monday.
“This milestone occasion is a joyous opportunity for people to come together in celebration of His Holiness’ life and achievements,” said Venerable Lama Tenzin Dhonden, founder of the non-profit Friends of the Dalai Lama.
“On this very special birthday we will have a chance to celebrate his accomplishments in many areas and hear his exciting view for the years to come.”
The celebrations start with a speech by the Dalai Lama on Sunday on “awakening compassion” and the “transformative power of creativity and art” at the Honda Center in Anaheim, south of Los Angeles.
On Monday the Tibetan religious figurehead will discuss climate change and “wisdom, vision and experience” including with other Nobel laureates, while on Tuesday events wrap up with a session on youth leadership.
The Dalai Lama already marked his official 80th birthday last month – on June 21 according to the Tibetan lunar calendar – in Dharamsala, his hometown in exile in India.