Dalai Lama Turns 90: World Celebrates with Prayers for Peace in Hollywood and Beyond
- Janet-Interfaith Liaison
- Jul 7, 2025
- 3 min read
In a profound display of unity and reverence, the world came together to honor the 90th birthday of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, a global icon of peace and compassion.
Celebrations spanned across continents, with heartfelt tributes echoing from remote Himalayan monasteries to bustling urban centers. Among the most poignant events was a multifaith gathering in Hollywood, California, where religious leaders, including Mahomed Akbar Khan, offered prayers in multiple languages to promote peace, nonviolence, and interfaith harmony.
A Milestone for Peace: Global Tributes to the Dalai Lama
On July 6, 2025, the Dalai Lama, born Tenzin Gyatso, reached the remarkable milestone of his 90th birthday. Known for his teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and nonviolence, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has inspired millions worldwide. From Dharamshala, India—his home in exile—to cities across the globe, followers and admirers organized events to celebrate his life and legacy. Meditation sessions, prayer vigils, and cultural programs highlighted his enduring message of unity in diversity.
In Hollywood, California, a unique and symbolic celebration unfolded, reflecting the Dalai Lama’s vision of a world bound by mutual respect and understanding. The event, held in the heart of the entertainment capital, drew religious leaders from diverse faiths to offer prayers and blessings, embodying the journey of multifaith harmony.
Hollywood’s Multifaith Tribute: Prayers in Spanish, Aramaic, Hebrew, and Arabic
At the Hollywood celebration, religious leaders gathered to honor the Dalai Lama with prayers delivered in Spanish, Aramaic, Hebrew, and Arabic—a powerful testament to the universal appeal of his teachings. Among the notable participants was Mahomed Akbar Khan, a respected humanitarian and peacemaker, who delivered a moving prayer that underscored the shared values of peace across different traditions.
Khan began his address with the traditional Islamic greeting, *Salam Aleikum*, meaning "Peace be upon you," extending his heartfelt birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama. Reflecting on a personal encounter with His Holiness in Graz, Austria, in 2000, Khan shared a poignant memory of sitting under a shaded tree alongside the Dalai Lama during an interfaith conference. “It is an honor to be here, to celebrate and wish a happy birthday to the 14th Dalai Lama,” Khan expressed, acknowledging the organizers and donors who made the event possible.
His prayer, offered in multiple languages, resonated deeply with the audience. “Dios, mi corazón grita por ti, toda gloria es tuya,” he prayed in Spanish, followed by similar invocations in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Arabic, each time affirming, “All glory and applause are for you, God.” This multilingual tribute highlighted the interconnectedness of spiritual traditions and the universal yearning for divine compassion—a core principle in the Dalai Lama’s philosophy.
Islam and the Pursuit of Peace: A Message of Nonviolence
In his address, Khan also elaborated on the essence of Islam, derived from the Arabic word Salam, meaning peace. “Islam fundamentally aims to cultivate both inner tranquility and external harmony,” he explained. “The very name of our faith reflects this core principle, distinguishing it from being associated with a specific individual, location, or cultural identity.” He emphasized that every Islamic prayer begins with an invocation of God’s attributes of mercy and compassion, underscoring their importance in spiritual practice.
Khan further highlighted the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, who dedicated 23 years to his prophetic mission. “The initial 13 years were characterized by a commitment to nonviolence,” Khan noted. “It was only during the last decade of his life that he engaged in self-defense, underscoring his advocacy for peaceful resolutions and the establishment of ethical frameworks for disagreement.” This historical context reinforced the Islamic teaching that the essence of life is to embody peace, actively promote it, and adhere to respectful dialogue even in times of conflict.
As a humanitarian and peacemaker, Khan reiterated a neutral stance, stating, “We don’t take sides. We pray for peace and the end to all human suffering.” His words echoed the Dalai Lama’s own lifelong commitment to nonviolence and compassion, bridging cultural and religious divides.
A Universal Call for Harmony
The Hollywood event was more than a birthday celebration; it was a powerful reminder of the Dalai Lama’s enduring influence as a unifying figure in a fractured world. By bringing together prayers in diverse languages and traditions, the gathering exemplified his teachings on interfaith dialogue and mutual respect. Attendees left inspired to carry forward the message of peace in their own communities, reflecting the Dalai Lama’s belief that compassion is the foundation of a better world.
As celebrations continue around the globe, the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us all to strive for peace, embrace nonviolence, and walk the path of multifaith harmony. In the words of Mahomed Akbar Khan, “Toda la gloria y el aplauso es para ti, Dios”—all glory and applause are for God, and for the shared human spirit that unites us all.
