The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a global symbol of Tibet’s struggle for cultural identity and autonomy, turned 90 on Sunday, marking the occasion with thousands of followers in the Indian Himalayan town of Dharamshala, where he has lived in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in 1959.
Addressing a packed temple courtyard despite persistent rain, the Dalai Lama reflected on his life’s journey, saying, “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.”
Wearing his traditional Buddhist robe and a flowing yellow wrap, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was escorted by monks as Tibetan artists played drums, bagpipes, and cymbals in his honor. Penpa Tsering, head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile, raised the Tibetan flag as the Tibetan national anthem played.
Recognized globally for his red robes and warm smile, the Dalai Lama calls himself a “simple Buddhist monk,” though millions of Tibetan Buddhists believe he is the living embodiment of Chenrezig, the Buddhist deity of compassion.
Week of Celebrations and Reincarnation Plans
Sunday’s event concluded a week of celebrations, during which the Nobel Peace Prize laureate confirmed he plans to reincarnate after his death, ending speculation that he could be the last Dalai Lama. He emphasized that his successor must be recognized following Buddhist traditions.
The Dalai Lama also expressed his hope to live until the age of 130.
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In the past, he has stated his successor will be born in the “free world,” outside China — a view that has fueled tensions. Many exiled Tibetans fear that Beijing will appoint its own Dalai Lama to tighten its grip over Tibet, which Chinese troops invaded in 1950.
China regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist and insists it holds the sole authority to approve his successor. The Chinese government has repeatedly stated it will reject any spiritual leader chosen without its consent.
Global Leaders and Celebrities Send Wishes
World leaders and public figures sent their wishes on the occasion. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Dalai Lama as “an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline,” while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised him as someone who “continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion.”
The celebrations also drew international supporters, including Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a long-time friend and advocate for Tibet. “He is the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet,” Gere told the crowd, prompting loud applause.
In a birthday message shared on his website Saturday, the Dalai Lama reiterated his commitment to promoting human values, religious harmony, and compassion, while reminding followers that he remains “just a simple Buddhist monk.”
Additional celebrations took place in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, where hundreds of Tibetan refugees, monks, and foreign diplomats gathered for Buddhist prayers, chanting, and traditional dances.
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Decades in Exile, A Struggle for Identity
The Dalai Lama was enthroned in 1937. Following China’s military intervention in Tibet during the 1950s and a failed uprising, he fled to India along with thousands of Tibetans and established a government in exile.
For over seven decades, he has led the Tibetan diaspora in their ongoing struggle to preserve their cultural identity and resist Chinese control over Tibet. Throughout his life, the Dalai Lama has become one of the world’s most recognizable figures, advocating for peace, compassion, and autonomy for the Tibetan people.