On Sunday, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in the picturesque Himalayan town of Dharamshala, surrounded by thousands of devoted followers. This serene location has served as the home of the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism since his exile from Tibet following the Chinese invasion in 1959. The jubilant atmosphere was palpable as attendees gathered to honor the Dalai Lama, who expressed his reflections on life during the event.
Amidst a sea of red-robed monks and nuns who braved relentless rain to witness the celebration, the Dalai Lama shared heartfelt insights. He stated, "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." Dressed in a traditional robe paired with a flowing yellow wrap, he was escorted to the temple courtyard by a group of monks. The festive ambiance was enhanced by Tibetan artists who performed with drums and bagpipes, while senior lamas honored him with rhythmic cymbal strikes.
The event was marked by a ceremonial raising of the Tibetan flag by Penpa Tsering, the head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile, as musicians filled the air with the Tibetan anthem. Recognized globally for his iconic red robes and joyful demeanor, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, humbly identifies as a simple Buddhist monk. However, millions of Tibetan Buddhists regard him as a living embodiment of Chenrezig, the Buddhist deity of compassion.
This momentous birthday was the culmination of a week filled with celebratory events. During these festivities, the Dalai Lama addressed long-held speculations about his reincarnation, affirming his intention to be reborn after his passing. He emphasized that the next Dalai Lama should be recognized according to traditional Buddhist practices. On the eve of his birthday, he expressed a desire to live until the age of 130, showcasing his unwavering spirit.
In previous statements, the Dalai Lama has mentioned that his successor is likely to be born in a free region, outside the control of China. This sentiment resonates with many exiled Tibetans who fear that China may attempt to appoint its own version of the Dalai Lama to reinforce its authority over Tibet, a region under tight control since the 1950s. The Chinese government views the Dalai Lama as a separatist and has declared that it holds the exclusive right to approve the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
Celebrating this significant milestone, numerous dignitaries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, shared their warm wishes with the Dalai Lama. Modi described him as an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline. Rubio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Dalai Lama's role in promoting unity, peace, and compassion worldwide.
The birthday festivities were not confined to Dharamshala; celebrations also took place in Kathmandu, Nepal. Here, hundreds of Tibetan refugees, monks, and foreign diplomats participated in Buddhist prayers, chanting, and traditional dances, honoring the Dalai Lama's incredible legacy. Hollywood actor Richard Gere, who attended the event, praised the Dalai Lama as "the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet," prompting enthusiastic applause from the gathered crowd.
In a heartfelt birthday message shared on his website, the Dalai Lama reiterated his identity as a simple Buddhist monk committed to promoting human values and religious harmony. Since being thrust into the Tibetan leadership in 1937, he has navigated tumultuous times, including the arrival of Chinese troops in the 1950s and the subsequent establishment of a government-in-exile in India. His life remains a testament to resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Tibetan people.
