On Sunday, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday at the Tsuklakhang Tibetan Buddhist complex in Dharamshala, India. Ultimately, several thousand—including Indian government ministers and Hollywood actor Richard Gere—attended the event. It was a watershed moment in the life of the spiritual leader. It turned into a powerful moment for his fans, who had been waiting with bated breath for instruction on the way forward for the centuries-old establishment of the Dalai Lama.
During the celebration, the Dalai Lama expressed his “great physical condition” and humorously raised his longevity goal to 130 years old. His whimsical quips launched guffaws and clapping from the crowd. In these complicated times, they celebrated their fortune in having a leader whose uncommon wisdom and powerful compassion made all the difference.
In a remarkable announcement, the Dalai Lama divulged his plan to choose a successor upon his passing. He further underscored that only his office has the “exclusive authority” to acknowledge his later reincarnation. This announcement was a huge relief to many Tibetan Buddhists who were worried the lineage would die with him.
“No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” – Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama’s announcement has been welcomed by the Tibetan community, who consider it a reaffirmation of their cultural identity. Tenzin Nyidon, a young Tibetan activist, stated that the decision “holds deep spiritual and emotional meaning for our community, symbolizing resilience and hope.”
THE DALAI LAMA is perhaps the most recognizable global figure in Tibetan Buddhism. As a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, he brings that same zeal for nonviolence and compassion. Sadly, his global influence does seem to be receding as advancing age increasingly complicates his ability to ramp up for long periods of travel. He has not met with a sitting U.S. president since Barack Obama in 2016, which has further highlighted his diminishing presence on the world stage.
In 2014, Barack Obama sent greetings to the Dalai Lama on his birthday. He endearingly referred to him as “the youngest 90-year-old I know,” and was grateful for his friendship. Former President Bill Clinton praised the Dalai Lama, stating, “You’ve shown generations what it means to practice compassion and speak up for freedom and dignity.”
“In a time when we see the forces of division tearing at the fabric of our common humanity, we need your wisdom more than ever to remind us that what we share is more important than our interesting differences,” – Bill Clinton
The Dalai Lama’s position on Tibet’s future has not changed. Although originally advocating full independence for Tibet, he has since declared that he is not seeking complete independence. Rather, he calls for “genuine” autonomy that allows Tibetans to protect their distinct culture and identity. This position is in line with his decades-long dedication to a nonviolent “middle way” philosophy.
The question of his being reincarnated is still very controversial. To date, the Chinese government has issued several white papers asserting its prerogative to approve the successor to the current Dalai Lama. They smear him as a radical “separatist.” Discredit the Dalai Lama. Repeatedly and for decades, Beijing has tried to delegitimize the Dalai Lama and advance its own historical narrative in relation to Tibet.
Tenzin Nyidon spoke about her fear of possible Chinese meddling in the reincarnation process. She observed that any appointment made by China would not only corrupt Tibetan faith but destroy Tibetan identity.
“Their appointment of a dalai lama would not only be a distortion of our faith but also a strategy to undermine Tibetan identity,” – Tenzin Nyidon
The Dalai Lama’s birthday celebration was equal parts jubilation and fear among participants. In every facet, the event celebrated his lasting legacy. It also acknowledged the long roads ahead for Tibetan Buddhism and for its practitioners.
“This is a very momentous occasion for myself and my family,” – Tenzin Nyidon
