The Dalai Lama appeared joyful and in good spirits as he celebrated this special occasion, emphasizing the importance of compassion and peace of mind in his address. As he reflected on his life, the gathering became both a celebration and a moment of contemplation about the future of Tibetan leadership under unique circumstances.
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Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists streamed into India's Himalayan town of Dharamshala on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama. Ferocious monsoon rains did not dampen the spirits as the Tibetan spiritual leader appeared in traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap, smiling and walking with the aid of two monks. The hilltop temples echoed with chants, while dance troupes performed with clanging cymbals and bagpipes. Indian ministers, long-time followers including Hollywood actor Richard Gere, and thousands of devotees gathered to honor the exiled leader, revered as an advocate for peace.
Gere took to the podium at the celebrations with a smile on his face to declare what a "joyous, joyous day" it was "to celebrate this extraordinary life." He embraced the Dalai Lama, who he said "totally embodies selflessness," and kissed his hand. Sunday’s festivities mark the culmination of a week of long-life prayers that began on Monday, aligned with his birthday on the Tibetan lunar calendar. At a ceremony on Saturday, the Dalai Lama assured followers of his "great physical condition" and said he would live for another 40 years, until the age of 130, two decades beyond his previous prediction.
While he mentioned that he typically avoided birthday celebrations, the Dalai Lama expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on peace of mind and compassion. He identified himself as a "simple Buddhist monk" without regrets as he contemplated his life at 90. "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," he said in his birthday message.
This week, the Dalai Lama confirmed plans for a successor, putting to rest long-standing speculation over whether the 600-year-old institution would end with him. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after death, a process deeply rooted in spiritual customs, not political authority. Living in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in 1959, the Dalai Lama has previously stated that his reincarnation will occur in the "free world," meaning outside of China. However, Beijing, which considers him a separatist, quickly rejected his authority to determine a successor. Chinese officials maintain that any succession must comply with Chinese laws, religious rituals, and historical conventions, subject to government approval in Beijing.
The announcement has reignited fears among Tibetans in exile that China will attempt to name a successor to tighten control over Tibet, a region it occupied in 1950. The Dalai Lama has guided the Tibetan diaspora in their struggle for autonomy and resistance to Chinese domination. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes on Sunday, calling him an "enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline." Former US President Barack Obama also sent greetings, calling him "the youngest 90-year-old I know" and expressing appreciation for his friendship.
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Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists streamed into India's Himalayan town of Dharamshala on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama. Ferocious monsoon rains did not dampen the spirits as the Tibetan spiritual leader appeared in traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap, smiling and walking with the aid of two monks. The hilltop temples echoed with chants, while dance troupes performed with clanging cymbals and bagpipes. Indian ministers, long-time followers including Hollywood actor Richard Gere, and thousands of devotees gathered to honor the exiled leader, revered as an advocate for peace.
Gere took to the podium at the celebrations with a smile on his face to declare what a "joyous, joyous day" it was "to celebrate this extraordinary life." He embraced the Dalai Lama, who he said "totally embodies selflessness," and kissed his hand. Sunday’s festivities mark the culmination of a week of long-life prayers that began on Monday, aligned with his birthday on the Tibetan lunar calendar. At a ceremony on Saturday, the Dalai Lama assured followers of his "great physical condition" and said he would live for another 40 years, until the age of 130, two decades beyond his previous prediction.
While he mentioned that he typically avoided birthday celebrations, the Dalai Lama expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on peace of mind and compassion. He identified himself as a "simple Buddhist monk" without regrets as he contemplated his life at 90. "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," he said in his birthday message.
This week, the Dalai Lama confirmed plans for a successor, putting to rest long-standing speculation over whether the 600-year-old institution would end with him. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after death, a process deeply rooted in spiritual customs, not political authority. Living in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in 1959, the Dalai Lama has previously stated that his reincarnation will occur in the "free world," meaning outside of China. However, Beijing, which considers him a separatist, quickly rejected his authority to determine a successor. Chinese officials maintain that any succession must comply with Chinese laws, religious rituals, and historical conventions, subject to government approval in Beijing.
The announcement has reignited fears among Tibetans in exile that China will attempt to name a successor to tighten control over Tibet, a region it occupied in 1950. The Dalai Lama has guided the Tibetan diaspora in their struggle for autonomy and resistance to Chinese domination. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes on Sunday, calling him an "enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline." Former US President Barack Obama also sent greetings, calling him "the youngest 90-year-old I know" and expressing appreciation for his friendship.
