Thousands of devotees gather in India for the 90th birthday celebration of the Dalai Lama.
The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, celebrated his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, India, surrounded by well-wishers and admirers. The occasion was marked with traditional rituals and congratulations from world leaders, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Dalai Lama, who described himself as a "simple Buddhist monk" but is revered by millions as the living manifestation of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion, expressed hope to live until the age of 130. In his birthday message, he reiterated that he is "just a simple Buddhist monk" and will continue to focus on promoting human values and religious harmony.
The Dalai Lama's succession has been a topic of interest for many years. According to the Dalai Lama, the future Dalai Lama should be sought and recognized as the next reincarnation in accordance with existing Buddhist traditions. The process involves consultations among various heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the guidance of Dharma Protectors, and the use of visionary and divination methods to locate the reincarnation.
However, China claims that the selection of the Dalai Lama must follow the traditional process but under Chinese government supervision. This stance has created tension between China and the Tibetan community, with the latter emphasizing their right to choose their own religious leaders without external interference. Beijing has stated that it will reject any successor chosen without China's consent.
In the past, the Dalai Lama has stated that his successor will be born in the "free world" - outside of China. The Dalai Lama announced that he plans to reincarnate after his death, ending years of speculation.
Celebrations were also held in Kathmandu, Nepal, where hundreds of Tibetan refugees, monks, and others marked the day with Buddhist prayers, chanting, and dances. Actor Richard Gere attended the celebration, praising the Dalai Lama as "the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet."
The Dalai Lama has been living in exile since 1959. Despite his advanced age, his spirit remains undeterred, and he continues to be a beacon of hope for millions around the world. His message of unity, peace, and compassion continues to resonate, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.
The Dalai Lama, renowned for being "the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet" according to actor Richard Gere, also expressed admiration for celebrities, stating that his successor will be born in the "free world" - a term often associated with entertainment industries. This aspiration underscores the Dalai Lama's focus on spreading his message of unity and compassion, reaching even the realm of celebrities as emissaries of universal values.
