This poem honours the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, tracing his remarkable 
journey from his birth name, Lhamo Thondup, through the ancient Tibetan traditions that identified 
him as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. It highlights the sacred role of the Nechung Oracle, 
the visions at Lhamo Latso lake, and the spiritual significance behind his religious name. Despite ongoing 
political tensions and attempts by China to control the selection of the next Dalai Lama, the current 
Lama maintains the authority and determination to guide the traditional process for his successor, 
preserving Tibetan religious freedom and heritage.

(for the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama)

He was not born beneath bright sun,
but where the crooked gutters run,
a farmhouse small, with simple door,
where winds of Amdo often roar.

His name was Lhamo Thondup — true,
a goddess name who grants what’s due.
A wish-fulfilling, gentle guide,
a meaning none in town denied.

When one great lama met his death,
the monks observed his final breath,
his head turned to the morning sun,
and signs were sought till all was done.

The Nechung Oracle then cried,
in trance the sacred words supplied:
“Ah... Ka...” came forth in mystic tone,
and visions showed a leafy throne.

At Lhamo Latso, the lake gave signs,
with shapes and letters, hidden lines.
A search began in Taktser’s land,
to find the boy, to take his hand.

He saw the monks and laughed aloud,
“You’ve come,” he said, proud and unbowed.
He chose the rosary with care,
and pointed to his past life there.

He knew the rooms he’d never been,
and named the men he'd never seen.
Not long after, he was called
by names much longer and enthralled.

Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang
Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso rang—
a name bestowed to hold the line,
to carry wisdom so divine.

Like popes who choose a name anew,
he left his birth name, known by few.
And now at ninety years he stands,
with laughter deep and gentle hands.

He does not speak in idle ways,
his laughter teaches through the days.
And sometimes, when the skies grow pale,
he turns his gaze towards east’s trail.