Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists flocked to Dharamshala, India, on Sunday, braving torrential monsoon rains to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama.
The celebrations were undeterred by the adverse weather as the revered Tibetan spiritual leader made an appearance in traditional attire, assisted by two monks, and greeted the assemblage with a smile. Echoes of chants filled the hilltop temples, and dance troupes performed energetically with clashing cymbals and bagpipes.
Among the attendees were Indian officials, long-time followers, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere, who has been a devoted admirer of the exiled leader, who is respected worldwide as a proponent of peace. Gere expressed his joy, declaring it was a “joyous, joyous day” to celebrate the “extraordinary life” of the Dalai Lama. He described the Dalai Lama as a person who “totally embodies selflessness” before embracing him and kissing his hand.
Sunday’s event marked the conclusion of a week of long-life prayers, beginning in accordance with the Dalai Lama’s birthday on the Tibetan lunar calendar. During a ceremony on Saturday, the Dalai Lama reassured his followers of his “great physical condition” and predicted his longevity extending to 130 years, surpassing his previous estimate by two decades.
Though the Dalai Lama stated he typically avoided birthday celebrations, he thanked his followers for using the occasion to meditate on peace of mind and compassion. Calling himself a “simple Buddhist monk,” he looked back on his 90 years without regret.
In his birthday message, he emphasized, “While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone.”
This week, he also confirmed plans for his succession, dispelling long-standing speculation about the continuation of the 600-year-old institution. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama reincarnates after death, a process grounded in spiritual customs rather than political mandates.
Having lived in exile since fleeing Chinese control in 1959, the Dalai Lama previously declared that his reincarnation would occur in the “free world,” outside of China. However, Beijing dismissed his authority over naming a successor, insisting that any succession must comply with Chinese laws and be sanctioned by the government in Beijing.
This announcement has reignited concerns among exiled Tibetans that China might attempt to designate a successor to further consolidate its control over Tibet, a region it has governed since an occupation in 1950.
Throughout his life, the Dalai Lama has been a guiding light for the Tibetan diaspora in their pursuit of autonomy and resistance to Chinese authority.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his birthday wishes, lauding the Dalai Lama as an “enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.” Former U.S. President Barack Obama also sent greetings, calling him “the youngest 90-year-old I know” and expressing appreciation for their friendship.
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