Buddhist Leaders Declare Dalai Lama Universal Supreme Patriarch at Dharamshala Ceremony

The Buddhist Channel, 22 Sep 2025

Dharmsala, India -- On September 20, 2025, an assembly of Buddhist leaders and followers in Dharamshala, India, declared His Holiness the Dalai Lama the Universal Supreme Patriarch of the Buddhist World during a ceremony held in the Tsuglakhang courtyard. The event, attended by over 1,000 devotees from Korea, ten Southeast Asian countries, Tibet, and other regions, marked the celebration of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and included prayers for his long life.




Sister Winni, President of the Tibetan Buddhist Centre in Singapore, addressed the gathering, stating that "...participants offered prayers for the Dalai Lama’s health and continued teachings of the Dharma". She presented him with a medallion symbolizing the Year of Compassion to honor his contributions to global well-being.

Approximately 30 Theravada monks, led by Phramedivajrodom V Vajiramedhi, Abbot of Rai Cherntawan International Meditation Center in Chiang Rai, Thailand, chanted prayers in Pali for the Dalai Lama’s longevity and world peace. Fourteen representatives of the event’s organizers offered a mandala and representations of the Buddha’s body, speech, and mind.

The Most Venerable Thich Nhat Tu, Vice Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Deputy Chief Officer of Centre Committee, Vietnam, read a joint statement on behalf of all participants. The statement recognized the Dalai Lama as a global Buddhist leader known for promoting peace, universal responsibility, self-discipline, and harmony across religions and societies.

It highlighted his numerous international recognitions and his lifelong dedication to strengthening Buddhist traditions while fostering interfaith dialogue. The statement noted his commitment to nonviolence, environmental care, and the preservation of Tibetan culture, which has inspired generations. The assembly unanimously declared him the Universal Supreme Patriarch of the Buddhist World and reaffirmed their commitment to his vision of a harmonious and peaceful world.

Seven representatives of the organizers and seven representatives of the Sangharaja and other Buddhist leaders presented gifts to the Dalai Lama, accompanied by a recitation of praise linked to the mandala offering. The event was co-organized by the Tibetan Buddhist Centre (Singapore), Labsum Shedrub Ling (South Korea), Persatuan Lamrim Buddhaksetra Retreat Centre (Malaysia), Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia, Rai Cherntawan International Meditation Center (Thailand), Kadam Choeling Indonesia, and Sriwijaya State Buddhist College of Tangerang Banten Indonesia. A second group of fourteen main sponsors made a mandala offering, and 150 devotees presented additional gifts to the Dalai Lama.

In his address, the Dalai Lama expressed gratitude for the prayers, offerings, and the attendees’ dedication to the Dharma and service to others, particularly monastics. He emphasized his role in fostering positive mindsets and his determination to continue serving through the Dharma.

The ceremony concluded with cultural performances by artists from eight Southeast Asian countries - Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore. These performances, centered on spiritual themes, showcased the cultural diversity of the participants.


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