Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama Celebrates 86th Birthday

DHARAMSALA, INDIA - The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama celebrated turning 86 on Tuesday, thanking his supporters and expressing his appreciation for India, where he has lived since he fled his homeland in 1959.  

"I want to express my deep appreciation of all my friends who have really shown me love, respect and trust," the Dalai Lama said in a video message.   He reiterated his mission to serving humanity and urged supporters to be compassionate.   "Since I became a refugee and now settled in India, I have taken full advantage of India's freedom and religious harmony," he said.