On this auspicious day, His Holiness’ 87th birthday, The Dalai Lama Trust is absolutely delighted to announce the inauguration of The Dalai Lama Library and Archives. His Holiness graciously inaugurated The Dalai Lama Library and Archives this morning, sparking life into a project that has been five long years in the making. 

The inauguration began at 8 am with a prayer recitation by monks from Namgyal Monastery. His Holiness officially opened The Dalai Lama Library and Archives by unveiling the inaugural plaque. The consecration of the Library, Archival Section and Award Gallery followed, blessing these areas before they became operational.

At this time, a small gathering of guests were seated in the new Conference Hall, awaiting His Holiness’ arrival. Mr. Zumchung Tashi, Project Manager of the Dalai Lama Trust presented the morning’s programme and warmly welcomed the guests, including the Ganden Tri Rinpoche,  eminent members of the Central Tibetan Administration and Ven. Samdhong Rinpoche. His Holiness was then offered mandala representations by Ven. Samdhong Rinpoche, former Kalon Tripa and the current Alternate Chairman of the Gaden Phodrang Trust. 

Ven. Samdhong Rinpoche began his introduction by bringing light to the extremely precious nature of His Holiness’ words, likening them to ambrosia and highlighting the importance of protecting and promoting this sublime resource for current and future generations. Rinpoche explained that before the advent of modern science and technology, teachings had to be committed to memory in order to preserve them. He explained that today it is possible to indefinitely preserve the deeds of His Holiness through print, video and audio recordings. Rinpoche emphasized the importance of video and audio recordings, which contain within them the physical expressions and vocal resonance of His Holiness, compounding the impact and value of His Holiness’ words immeasurably. 

Rinpoche proceeded to explain the various specialized functions that this new building serves and the detailed importance of each activity. The Library houses all the collected works of His Holiness including their translations in several languages, books related to His Holiness’ teachings, and the works of previous Dalai Lamas. Rinpoche mentioned the importance of compiling these many works carefully so that those interested in researching this body of work for academic or other reasons may be able to search and find these resources with ease. Rinpoche mentioned that this space may also be used to host meetings and seminars for those who feel aligned with His Holiness’ teachings. 

Ven. Samdhong Rinpoche pointed out that the objective of The Dalai Lama Library and Archive is to preserve His Holiness’ precious teachings properly so that the people interested in studying them in the present or in the future, may have access to them. Rinpoche requested that His Holiness bless this endeavour so that it may carry out its objectives far into the future and thanked everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to this project. 

His Holiness then addressed the gathering. He opened his speech by welcoming everyone and thanking all his well-wishers for the cheerful birthday wishes he received on this day. He then explained that as the Dalai Lama, he has tried to protect and preserve Tibetan Culture, working to rebuild educational and monastic systems so that Tibetan Language and Culture may remain alive in exile. 

His Holiness clarified that this ‘culture’ refers to understanding the workings of the mind. He elaborated that the essence of the teachings is that all beings crave happiness and do not want suffering and that this common thread unites us all. He elaborated that we must observe our minds and then use sound logic and reason to remove our negative or destructive emotions and tendencies like jealousy, anger and hatred. 

His Holiness talked about how the principles of Karuna or compassion and Ahimsa or non-violence, as taught in the great Indian Nalanda tradition, were then preserved by Tibetan scholars and expressed his gratitude to the teachers who kept these practices alive.

His Holiness also told a story about a prediction that the oracle Nechung made in Tibet, likening His Holiness to a Water Crystal Jewel, whose light would spread across the world. His Holiness retraced his journey from his birth in Amdo, onto his education in Lhasa and finally to India, from where his teachings would find their way all around the world and wondered if perhaps this prediction was true after all. As it had rained heavily that morning, the story of the Water Crystal Jewel tied in beautifully to this moment. His Holiness assured us that he would remain with us for another decade or two and commended the gathering for doing their best and encouraged them to continue to do so.

His Holiness then awarded certificates of appreciation and offered the traditional silken scarves or khatas to those involved in the creation of the building, Mr. Amardeep, the principal Architect and Advisor, Mr. Rajneesh Kumar Vatsa, Architect and Consultant, Mr. Sudip Toki, MEP Consultant, Mr. Sunil Krera of Turnkey Interior Contractors, Mr. Suresh Kumar, Civil Contractor, Mr. Kultar Singh Sephia, the Site Engineer and Mr. Dhargyal, the Civil Work Site Supervisor. 

Mr. Jamphel Lhundup, Secretary of the Dalai Lama Trust offered the final words of thanks, conveying his immense gratitude to His Holiness for inaugurating the Library and Archives on the special occasion of His Holiness’ birthday. Mr. Lhundup expressed his joy in thanking all those who contributed to bringing this project to completion after 5 years of hard work. 

His Holiness addressed the audience again to add that while he has spoken of compassion and kindness often, the many Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet have truly taken his advice and spread these teachings. He expressed his gratitude for their dedication and achievement. His Holiness also added that when the pandemic subsides, he looks forward to traveling to Delhi to meet with scholars to discuss how to incorporate the ancient Indian understanding of the mind in modern education and stressed the importance of this intersection.

His Holiness mentioned that while he is considered to be the embodiment of the Thousand-eyed and armed deity Avalokiteshwara, he himself has only two of each and that today, on his birthday, he planned to enjoy a good meal and some rest and advised that those present also do the same. His Holiness ended his address by thanking everyone again and wishing them courage, cooperation and to continue to strive to do their best. 

This brought the inauguration to a close and the guests were encouraged to explore the Library, Archives Section and Award Gallery at their leisure. The Dalai Lama Library and Archives will be opening its doors in the near future as it is being readied for the public and we look forward to welcoming you. 

Photos by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL.