The Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday, surrounded by thousands of devoted followers.
Devotees gathered in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama’s exile home since he fled Chinese rule in Tibet in 1959.
Addressing the large crowd, including hundreds of monks and nuns who endured persistent rain to attend, the Dalai Lama stated, “When I reflect on my life, I realize I haven’t wasted it at all.”
“I dedicate my life to serving all sentient beings,” he added.
Draped in traditional robes and a yellow wrap, the Dalai Lama was led to the temple courtyard by monks as Tibetan artists played drums and bagpipes, and senior lamas struck cymbals to honor him.
Penpa Tsering, head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile, raised the Tibetan flag as musicians played the Tibetan anthem.
The globally recognized Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, known for his red robes and warm smile, humbly describes himself as “a simple Buddhist monk.” However, millions of Tibetan Buddhists revere him as a living embodiment of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion.
The birthday celebration concluded a week of festivities during which the Nobel Peace Prize laureate announced his intention to reincarnate after death, resolving longstanding speculation about the possibility of him being the last Dalai Lama. He also emphasized that future Dalai Lamas should be recognized following traditional Buddhist practices.
In the past, the Dalai Lama has suggested his successor will be born in the “free world,” outside of China. However, many exiled Tibetans are concerned that China might appoint its own successor to exert greater control over Tibet, which it occupied in 1950 and has governed ever since.
China, which considers the Dalai Lama a separatist, has consistently asserted its sole authority to approve the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, rejecting any selection made without Beijing’s consent.
Numerous dignitaries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sent their best regards to the Tibetan leader.
Mr. Modi praised the Dalai Lama as “an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline,” while Mr. Rubio stated that the spiritual leader “continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace and compassion.”
The celebration was also attended by numerous followers from across the globe, including Hollywood actor Richard Gere.
“He is the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet,” declared Mr. Gere, prompting enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
In a birthday message posted on his website on Saturday, the Dalai Lama said he was “just a simple Buddhist monk” and that he would “continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony”.
Celebrations were also held in Kathmandu, Nepal, where hundreds of Tibetan refugees, monks, and foreign diplomats celebrated the day with Buddhist prayers, chanting, and dances.
The Dalai Lama ascended to the Tibetan throne in 1937. Shortly thereafter, Chinese troops invaded his homeland in the 1950s and suppressed a failed uprising, forcing him and thousands of his followers to seek refuge in India, where he established a government-in-exile.
