Dalai Lama proposes maintaining the institution's existence
In the serene Indian Himalayan town where he has resided for decades, the Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday with a significant event that resonated far beyond its borders. On June 30, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader was surrounded by monks, nuns, pilgrims, and well-wishers from across the world, as they gathered to celebrate his milestone birthday.
The Dalai Lama, who is considered by Tibetans to be the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, reported being physically healthy at the age of 90. During the prayer celebrations, he expressed his intention to continue dedicating himself to the well-being of others as much as possible in the time he has left.
In a historic move that breaks with tradition, the Dalai Lama announced his plan for the continuation of the 600-year-old institution after his death. Instead of the traditional process where senior monks search for the reincarnation only after the current Dalai Lama dies, he intends to name his successor while still alive. Moreover, he has stated that his successor will not be born in Tibet or under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
This move is unprecedented in Tibetan Buddhist tradition and is intended to prevent the Chinese government from controlling the selection of the next Dalai Lama, which is also a geopolitical assertion for the future of Tibet. The next Dalai Lama will be born in the "free world" to ensure the continuation of the spiritual lineage independent of Beijing's influence.
The prayer celebrations were attended by thousands of Buddhist followers, who came together to mark this special occasion. A Tibetan-style birthday cake, an elaborately decorated tower made from roasted barley and butter, was presented to the Dalai Lama on June 30.
The Dalai Lama's statements about the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama were made during his 90th birthday prayer celebrations. He also stated that there will be a framework for the continuation of the institution.
It is important to note that the Dalai Lama and thousands of other Tibetans have been living in exile in India since 1959, following the Chinese troops crushing an uprising in Lhasa. The prayer celebrations for the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday took place in the same Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades.
As the Dalai Lama continues his work, he remains a beacon of hope for the Tibetan people and a symbol of peace for the world. His 90th birthday prayer celebrations serve as a reminder of his enduring spirit and his commitment to the well-being of others.
[1] For more information on the geopolitical implications of this decision, please refer to [source].
- The Dalai Lama announced his intent to break with tradition and name his successor while still alive, as a strategic move to prevent Chinese government control over the selection of the next Dalai Lama, and to ensure the continuation of the spiritual lineage independently of Beijing's influence.
- The historic decision made by the Dalai Lama during his 90th birthday prayer celebrations reveals a framework for the continuation of the institution, also serving as a geopolitical assertion for the future of Tibet.
