The Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday as thousands of his followers gathered in a small Himalayan town in India, a landmark occasion seen as a test of his global influence and the intertwined geopolitical struggle.
World leaders and prominent figures from across the globe offered their support to the Buddhist leader, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and regarded as one of the world’s most influential religious leaders.
A packed crowd of his devotees and supporters, including Hollywood personalities, political figures, and hundreds of red-robed monks and nuns, gathered in Dharamshala to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s birthday on Sunday.
His supporters were undeterred by heavy monsoon rain and thick fog in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, where the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has been living in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in Tibet in 1959.
However, the outpouring of support for the exiled Tibetan leader has set the stage for a political and geopolitical struggle over his succession, between the Tibetan Buddhist community in exile in India and China’s Communist Party, which insists it holds the sole authority to name the next Dalai Lama.
In his 90th birthday address, the 14th Dalai Lama called himself a “simple Buddhist monk” and shared a message of “compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism”.
“While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone,” he said. “Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place.”
He said he will continue to promote religious harmony, human values, and “draw attention to the ancient Indian wisdom that explains the workings of the mind and emotions, as well as Tibetan culture and heritage”.
The Dalai Lama, born Tenzin Gyatso, wore his traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap as he was escorted to the temple courtyard by a group of monks. Tibetan artists beat drums and played bagpipes in welcome, while senior lamas struck cymbals in his honour.
Penpa Tsering, head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile, raised the Tibetan flag as musicians played the Tibetan anthem.
The Indian prime minister Narendra Modi led international messages of congratulations, stating: “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,” he added.
Mr Modi’s support for the Dalai Lama was notable, as China, a tense rival on India’s border, warned New Delhi to choose its words carefully, raising the spectre of renewed friction between two rivals who had been on a path to mending ties.
Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, also sent a message, which was read during the celebrations in India, urging that the Dalai Lama continue to inspire people by embodying a message of “unity, peace, and compassion”.
“We support efforts to preserve Tibetans’ distinct linguistic, cultural and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference,” the statement added.
Taiwanese president Lai Ching Te, a vocal critic of China’s territorial claims, lauded the Dalai Lama for setting an example that “resonates with all who cherish freedom, democracy and respect for human rights”.
Video messages from three former US presidents, Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama, were played during the celebrations, conveying birthday wishes.
“At a time when we see the forces of division tearing at the fabric of our common humanity … I’m grateful for your enduring efforts to build a better, kinder, more compassionate world,” said Mr Clinton.
Richard Gere, Hollywood actor and long-time follower of Tibetan Buddhism, attended the celebrations and praised the Dalai Lama, calling him “the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet”. He was notably present at the Tsuglagkhang temple events.
Several Indian politicians and Buddhist leaders also took part in the celebrations in the Himalayan town.
Indian minister Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, attended the celebrations and participated in the Tibetan and Indian national anthem ceremonies.
He called him India’s “most honoured guest” and said he remains committed to supporting the Tibetan cause, adding that devotees will follow the Dalai Lama’s guidance.
Earlier this week, he irked China after backing the Tibetan leader’s stance on his succession, contradicting China. He later clarified it was a personal opinion after Beijing warned India against interfering.
The Dalai Lama has declared that he will be reincarnated after his death and confirmed that only his office has “sole authority” to recognise his future reincarnation, a process for choosing the next leader after his death.
In comments that sparked outrage from China, the Dalai Lama said his successor would be born in the “free world”, outside of China. Many exiled Tibetans fear that China will name its successor to bolster control over Tibet, a territory it invaded in 1950 and has ruled ever since.
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