In honour and celebration of the 76th Birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, The Queensland Tibetan Community was host to a night to remember at the Langri Tangpa Dharma Center in Camp Hill.

On a beautiful clear winter night in Brisbane the Tibetan community and the Dharma Community joined forces and in the transcendental surroundings of Langri Tangpa Dharma Center. We shared delicious food, rare entertainment and delighted in each other’s company.

Like jewels, Tibetans came from all over Brisbane to organize the evening. It was lovely to see Tibetan people feeling confident and happy and regional costumes and it reinforced a sense that, here in our hearts Tibet remains always.

In the Gompa, Long Life Prayers, respect and prostrations were offered to His Holiness, on behalf of all, by the Tibetan Community.

Lobsang Lungtok spoke, acknowledging the traditional owners, welcoming guests and inviting supporters to register and become involved. He gave thanks to Miffi and Eddy and the volunteers for the venue. Lesley followed with a speech from the newly Kashag ( Tibetan government in exile), keeping us informed about recent developments in the Tibetan Government in Exile.

Then the program of entertainment within the beautiful Gompa of Langri Tangpa Center flowed out like a magic carpet taking us to other places. Tenzin Choegyal, local/international musician, (and cook), left the kitchen to sing his heart out for us and lift us well into outer space with his beautiful mantras and open heart. Mrs Tashi brought us to her home with her beautiful songs. Thinley gave his songs and played for us, and Kunchok gave us blossoms with his voice. The audience were entranced by the power and magic of it all. Then we took a break.

The kitchen was busy with food that had been lovingly hand prepared Tibetan’s kitchens all over Brisbane, a wonderful offering. People gathered around, sitting or standing with such company, food, music and dancing, what a joyous night. A chance to catch up with old friends and to make new ones, lots of kisses and hugs, children sweetening the air with the sound of their laughter, and even a little dharma group in the library for the small people thanks to Bronwyn.

After our intermission, we crowded once more into the Gompa and the raffle prizes were drawn. Many happy winners went home with unique handmade items and lovely things from Tibet.

Then the Dancers took the floor to share regional circle dancing; a tradition that is bonding and enhancing of community life, allowing a chance to feel each other’s support, experience each other’s weaknesses and strengths, to lead and to follow in unison, to each feel one’s part in the web of life. The community’s beautiful example of give and take, humour, joy and dance was an inspiration to watch. This led to an outpouring of joy when all stood up to take part in a very, very big, double circle dance. It was great fun to see people, inexperienced but so willing and happy to try the steps and move to the moves. I have never seen so many, so willing to participate completely. Good, clean, wholesome fun was had by all and much misery was most certainly dispelled.

All too soon it seemed it was time to stack the chairs, return the gravity to the gompa and say goodnight to all our friends, but I think I speak for everyone when I say “I can’t wait till next year’s Birthday Party”. Again we will generate bliss and love to dedicate to the long life of His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso and to wish that he remains as long as space to dispel the misery of the world.
(Reported by Carol Khan)