Dalai Lama Marks 90th Birthday, Reiterates Succession Plans Amidst Global Tributes

DHARAMSHALA, India — The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday, July 6th, surrounded by thousands of devoted followers who converged on the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, his home in exile since 1959. Amidst a packed audience of red-robed monks, nuns, and global supporters who braved incessant rain, the spiritual leader reflected on his life, stating, “When I look back on my life, I see that I have not wasted it at all. I live my life in the service of other sentient beings.”

The milestone birthday capped a week of celebrations during which the Nobel Peace Prize laureate made significant statements regarding his reincarnation. Dispelling years of speculation, the Dalai Lama affirmed his intention to reincarnate after his death, emphasizing that the next Dalai Lama should be recognized according to traditional Buddhist customs. He also expressed a personal hope to live until the age of 130.

The issue of the Dalai Lama’s succession remains a contentious point with China, which views him as a separatist. While the Dalai Lama has previously indicated his successor would be born in the “free world” outside China, Beijing maintains that it alone holds the authority to approve the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, vowing to reject any choice made without its consent.

Global leaders and celebrities extended their well wishes, underscoring the Dalai Lama’s enduring influence. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded him as “an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline,” while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised his embodiment of “unity, peace and compassion.” Hollywood star Richard Gere was among the hundreds of international followers attending the Dharamshala festivities, calling him “the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet.”

Despite the global recognition and elaborate celebrations, the Dalai Lama humbly reiterated his self-description as “just a simple Buddhist monk,” committed to promoting human values and religious harmony. Similar celebrations were also held by Tibetan refugees and monks in Kathmandu, Nepal, marking a day of profound spiritual significance and cultural pride for the Tibetan diaspora.

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