Dalai Lama prays at landmark 90th birthday launch
Draped in traditional maroon and yellow robes, the Dalai Lama sat and listened to speeches and chants of monks, nuns, pilgrims, as well as well-wishers from across the world.
The leader, who turns 90 on July 6, and thousands of other Tibetans have lived in exile in India since Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959.
The Dalai Lama's 90th birthday is more than a personal milestone.
The charismatic Nobel Peace Prize-winning Buddhist Tenzin Gyatso -- who Tibetans say is the 14th reincarnation of the 600-year-old post -- is also expected to reveal if there will be another Dalai Lama after him.
"We offer our fervent devotions that Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the Land of Snows, lives for a 100 eons," a chorus of red-robed monks sang.
"May all your noble aspirations be fulfilled," they added, in front of a crowd that included religious leaders of many faiths.
The Dalai Lama has said the institution will continue only if there is popular demand -- and is widely expected to reveal that decision on Wednesday.
The occasion carries profound weight not only for Tibetans, but also for global supporters who see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of non-violence, compassion, and the enduring struggle for Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule.
His advancing age has also sparked concern over the future of Tibetan leadership and the delicate question of his succession.
While China condemns him as a rebel and separatist, the internationally recognised Dalai Lama describes himself as a "simple Buddhist monk".
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
POLL: Should Starlink operate in SA, without abiding by BEE laws?
Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly set to invest over R2 billion into South Africa's economy, as a means of 'working around' Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, which requires a stake in local shareholding for foreign investors. Instead, the internet satellite service could offer equity equivalent investment programmes (EEIPs), as recently gazetted by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Elon initially slammed the transformative legislation as a 'racist law', as he was 'not black'. According to reports, Starlink, which falls under SpaceX, is looking to invest over R2 billion in South Africa as part of its prospective deal to operate in the country. Business Day reports that the company would finance infrastructure to support the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which is made up of 16 countries. The move is thought to be a way to 'work around' local BEE policies, which require 30% local shareholding for foreign investors. Is Elon Musk's Starlink getting the greenlight to operate in SA? This follows a new policy direction offering 'alternatives' to BEE. Images via X: @starlink In May, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi gazetted a policy direction for his department on EEIPs, which are considered 'alternatives' to transformative legislation. Without mentioning Starlink, the minister claimed that the policy would 'attract investment,' specifically in operating licensing. The minister revealed that current legislation for foreign investments 'did not allow companies to contribute to transformation goals in ways other than traditional ownership'. The news that Starlink could operate in South Africa, and potentially 'bypass' BEE requirements, has seen mixed reactions on social media. @PrayerTmos: 'Elon Musk tried to tank the South African economy, and create boiling racial tensions, and never apologized. It means he still plans to continue with the sabotage of SA, and with such communications business, espionage and spying will become easier.' @XnBoeremeisie: 'With a 75%+ debt-to-GDP ratio, the government better accept Elon's investment offer!' @Squirrel1980021: 'We have a BEE policy and is not it going away. The Chinese and Russians will comply.' @stallionheat02: 'Starlink is a game changer for rural and underserved areas. Just imagine having internet everywhere in the world with one subscription for less than 1K. Bring Starlink, and let those who want to use it use it'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
Dalai Lama prays at landmark 90th birthday launch
MCLEOD GANJ - Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, joined thousands of Buddhist followers on Monday in 90th birthday prayer celebrations, a landmark resonating far beyond the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades. Draped in traditional maroon and yellow robes, the Dalai Lama sat and listened to speeches and chants of monks, nuns, pilgrims, as well as well-wishers from across the world. The leader, who turns 90 on July 6, and thousands of other Tibetans have lived in exile in India since Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959. The Dalai Lama's 90th birthday is more than a personal milestone. The charismatic Nobel Peace Prize-winning Buddhist Tenzin Gyatso -- who Tibetans say is the 14th reincarnation of the 600-year-old post -- is also expected to reveal if there will be another Dalai Lama after him. "We offer our fervent devotions that Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the Land of Snows, lives for a 100 eons," a chorus of red-robed monks sang. "May all your noble aspirations be fulfilled," they added, in front of a crowd that included religious leaders of many faiths. The Dalai Lama has said the institution will continue only if there is popular demand -- and is widely expected to reveal that decision on Wednesday. The occasion carries profound weight not only for Tibetans, but also for global supporters who see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of non-violence, compassion, and the enduring struggle for Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule. His advancing age has also sparked concern over the future of Tibetan leadership and the delicate question of his succession. While China condemns him as a rebel and separatist, the internationally recognised Dalai Lama describes himself as a "simple Buddhist monk".
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Former Transnet bosses charged over Jacob Zuma-era graft case
Four former executives at South Africa's failing transport company were arrested and charged on Monday over allegations of corruption worth millions of dollars in a high-profile case linked to the plunder of state resources. The ports and freight rail company Transnet was among the state-owned firms caught in a widespread graft scandal that rocked ex-president Jacob Zuma's government between 2010 and 2018. The web of corruption that hollowed out the companies is commonly referred to as 'state capture' in South Africa. The accused who appeared in court on Monday are former group chief executives Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gana, as well as the company's former CFO, Anoj Singh, and top engineer, Thamsanqa Jiyane. 'They are facing 18 charges that include the contravention of the Public Finance Management Act, fraud, corruption and the contravention of the Companies Act,' the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said. Their case relates to tenders issued during a plan to expand and modernise the country's rail infrastructure, the logistical backbone of the continent's most advanced economy. In one instance, the officials are accused of bypassing due process and awarding a tender to an unqualified Chinese firm for the supply of 95 trains, with the contract allegedly inflated by $13 million, NPA said. Molefe and Gama are currently serving as members of parliament under Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. None of the accused has entered a plea. They were each granted a R50 000 bail, with the matter due back in court in October. 'The arrest of the accused highlights how persons in positions of trust and power allowed themselves to be part of a corrupt relationship that sought self-enrichment as opposed to the enrichment of the country and its infrastructure,' NPA said. Transnet, which owns all South Africa's rail, ports and pipelines, is hobbled by a mountain of debt, theft and maintenance issues. A report into state graft under Zuma published in 2022 described Transnet as a 'primary site' of state corruption. The investigation led by former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo found contracts worth billions of rands had been 'irregularly awarded for the benefit of entities linked to the Gupta family,' a business family of Indian migrants with close ties to Zuma. The four-year graft probe concluded that Transnet became a cash cow for the Guptas who moved to South Africa in 1993. Molefe and Gama denied wrongdoing when they testified before the commission. They are facing a separate graft case linked to the procurement of more than 1 000 trains. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
