A view of the UBS Arena filled to capacity with 17,000 Tibetan community members and friends attending a long life ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama on August 22, 2024 in Elmont, NY, USA. Photo: Sonam Zoksang

A group of 400 Tibetan children chant verses and wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama a long life during the Long Life Ceremony at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, USA, on August 22, 2024. Photo: Sonam Zoksang

His Holiness the Dalai Lama watches the performance of Tibetan children at the beginning of the Long Life Offering Ceremony at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, USA, on August 22, 2024. Photo: Sonam Zoksang

Members of the crowd listen to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s speech at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, USA, on August 22, 2024. Photo by Sonam Zoksang

His Holiness the Dalai Lama recites verses to awaken the spirit during the Long Life Offering ceremony at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, USA, on August 22, 2024. Photo by Sonam Zoksang

Members of the Tibetan community attend the Long Life Ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, USA, on August 22, 2024. Photo: Sonam Zoksang

His Holiness the Dalai Lama thanks Carol and Sam Nappi for their hospitality during his recovery from knee surgery at the end of the Life Offering Ceremony at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, USA, on August 22, 2024. Photo by Sonam Zoksang

Tibetan artists perform a song from the Tibetan opera tradition to conclude the Long Life Ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, USA on August 22, 2024. Photo: Sonam Zoksang

His Holiness the Dalai Lama waves to the crowd as he leaves the stage at the conclusion of the Long Life Ceremony at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, USA on August 22, 2024. Photo: Sonam Zoksang