Reaffirming their support to the Tibetan people, Global leaders on Sunday greeted the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyasto, on his 90th birthday. After a week of celebrations by followers during which he riled China again and spoke about his hope to live beyond 130 and reincarnate after dying, the Nobel laureate’s message on the occasion was steeped in humility and spiritual resolve.
The Dalai Lama is regarded as one of the world’s most influential religious leaders, with a following that extends well beyond Buddhism, but not by Beijing which calls him a separatist and has sought to bring the faith under its control.
Extending his warm wishes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Dalai Lama has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. In his post on X, he said : “I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life."
Video messages from three former US presidents, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, were also broadcast at the ceremony. “I’m grateful for your enduring efforts to build a better, kinder, more compassionate world,” Clinton said in his message, while Obama called him “the youngest 90-year-old.” Bush said that the Dalai Lama’s “spirit of compassion and love” is needed more than ever.
Taiwan, claimed as its territory by China, also sent a statement wishing the Dalai Lama. “On this special occasion, we extend our great appreciation for your dedication to peace and human rights—values that resonate deeply in #Taiwan. May you continue to illuminate the world with compassion and wisdom,” President of Taiwan Lai Ching-te posted on X.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the birthday was the Dalai Lama’s long-awaited message on his succession. Addressing the concerns of Tibetan Buddhists about the future of their spiritual leadership, he assured followers that he would reincarnate to continue his spiritual responsibilities. He emphasised that the recognition of his successor would rest solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, not with any government, a pointed rebuke to Beijing’s claim of authority over the reincarnation process.
China, which has consistently tried to assert control over Tibetan Buddhism, has declared that any successor must be approved by its government. In response, the United States reaffirmed its support for the Tibetan people. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington supported Tibetans’ right to choose their religious leaders without interference and pledged continued advocacy for their cultural and religious freedoms.
Rubio emphasised America’s commitment to protecting Tibetans’ linguistic, cultural, and religious freedoms “without interference.” This contrasts sharply with Beijing’s stance, which asserts the Chinese government’s authority to approve the next Dalai Lama, citing historical precedent from China’s imperial past.
The Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations in Dharamshala were attended among others by Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu, Sikkim minister Sonam Lama, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere.
In one of the videos from the event, Gere, who is also a practising Buddhist, was seen kissing the spiritual leader’s hand while bowing down to him in reverence. The spiritual leader then blessed him by placing his hand on his forehead as the duo embraced and smiled at each other.
The birthday celebrations started with a song for the Dalai Lama performed by Switzerland-based Tibetan singer Jamyan Choeden. It was followed by a dance performance by a group of Mongolian and Albanian artists.
Speaking at the ceremony, seated in front of a nine-tier cake, the Dalai Lama said that it is the love of the people that motivates him to continue on the path of serving all sentient beings. “So on my part, I reflect on Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara, the Bodhisattva way of life, considering all sentient beings as my relatives and friends, and I always think of serving all sentient beings to as best of my ability.”
The Dalai Lama said that the people did not come for his birthday out of obligation, but with a deep sense of reverence. “So when I reflect upon my life, I see that I have not wasted my life at all. Having been titled the Dalai Lama I have no pride and arrogance. As a follower of the Buddha, a bhikshu, a monk to serve the public, and to serve the teachings of Buddha are my main practices,” he said.
Central Tibetan Administration president Sikyong Penpa Tsering , released a statement by the Kashag, the cabinet of the Tibetan government-in-exile, and announced a ‘Year of Compassion’ to be observed by Tibetans and “friends of Tibet” globally. The statement said : “In today’s world, which faces interconnected crises including violent conflicts, arms races, trade wars, social fragmentation, moral decay, and climate change, these commitments offer unparalleled and indisputable solutions.”