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Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
'Simple Buddhist monk' Dalai Lama marks landmark 90th birthday
MCLEOD GANJ (INDIA) - Calling himself a "simple Buddhist monk" who usually didn't celebrate birthdays, the Dalai Lama marked his 90th on Sunday by praying for peace after China insisted it would have the final say on who succeeded the Tibetan spiritual leader. Chanting of red-robed monks and nuns rang out from Himalayan hilltop forested temples in India, home to the Dalai Lama since he and thousands of other Tibetans fled Chinese troops who crushed an uprising in their capital Lhasa in 1959. "I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations," the Dalai Lama said in a message, thanking those marking it with him for using the opportunity "to cultivate peace of mind and compassion". Dressed in traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap, he walked with the aid of two monks while flashing his trademark beaming smile to thousands of followers. Beijing condemns the Nobel Peace Prize winner -- who has led a lifelong campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau -- as a rebel and separatist. Alongside the celebrations, however, is the worry for Tibetans in exile that China will name its successor to bolster control over the territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. That raises the likelihood of rival challengers to the post; one by self-declared atheist Beijing, the other by the Dalai Lama's office based in neighbouring India, a regional rival of China. - 'Good heart' - The celebrations on Sunday are the culmination of days of long-life prayers for Tenzin Gyatso, who followers believe is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, a man whose moral teachings and idiosyncratic humour have made him one of the world's most popular religious leaders. "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 in his birthday message. "Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place." The celebrations also included his key announcement that, after being inundated with messages of support from fellow Tibetans both inside and in exile, the spiritual institution will continue after his death. He said he had received appeals from followers from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China. The seemingly esoteric matters of reincarnation have real-world political consequences, with Tibetans fearing his death will mark a major setback in his push for more autonomy for the Himalayan region. The Dalai Lama said his India-based office alone would "exclusively" identify that successor -- prompting a swift and sharp reply from China that the reincarnation "must be approved by the central government" in Beijing. China said the succession would be carried out "by drawing lots from a golden urn", foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters on Wednesday. That urn is held by Beijing, and the Dalai Lama has warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks "any spiritual quality". Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered effusive birthday greetings on Sunday, calling the Dalai Lama an "enduring symbol of love". India and China are intense rivals competing for influence across South Asia, but have sought to repair ties after a 2020 border clash. - 'Freedom and dignity' - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said in a statement that Washington was "committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans". Among the crowds attending the celebrations was Hollywood star Richard Gere, a longtime backer of the Tibetans in exile, who on Sunday said the Dalai Lama "totally embodies selflessness, complete love and compassion and wisdom". Messages of support were also given by former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as Barack Obama, who said the Dalai Lama had shown what it means to "speak up for freedom and dignity". The ceremony ended with the Dalai Lama eating a slice of cake and thousands singing "happy birthday". No details have been released for the future succession. All so far have been men or boys, often identified as toddlers and taking up the role only as teenagers. The current Dalai Lama, himself identified in 1937, has said that if there is a successor it will come from the "free world" outside China's control. In a speech to followers on Sunday, the Dalai Lama said his practice of Buddhism meant he had dedicated his life towards seeking compassion. "I'm now 90 and... when I reflect on my life, I see that I have not wasted my life at all", he said, speaking in Tibetan.
Kuwait Times
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
‘Simple Buddhist monk' Dalai Lama marks 90th birthday
Global leaders send messages of support and solidarity in challenge to China MCLEOD GANJ, India: Calling himself a 'simple Buddhist monk' who usually didn't celebrate birthdays, the Dalai Lama marked his 90th on Sunday by praying for peace after China insisted it would have the final say on who succeeded the Tibetan spiritual leader. Chanting of red-robed monks and nuns rang out from Himalayan hilltop forested temples in India, home to the Dalai Lama since he and thousands of other Tibetans fled Chinese troops who crushed an uprising in their capital Lhasa in 1959. 'I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations,' the Dalai Lama said in a message, thanking those marking it with him for using the opportunity 'to cultivate peace of mind and compassion'. Dressed in traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap, he walked with the aid of two monks while flashing his trademark beaming smile to thousands of followers. Beijing condemns the Nobel Peace Prize winner — who has led a lifelong campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau — as a rebel and separatist. Alongside the celebrations, however, is the worry for Tibetans in exile that China will name its successor to bolster control over the territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. That raises the likelihood of rival challengers to the post; one by self-declared atheist Beijing, the other by the Dalai Lama's office based in neighboring India, a regional rival of China. The celebrations on Sunday are the culmination of days of long-life prayers for Tenzin Gyatso, who followers believe is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, a man whose moral teachings and idiosyncratic humor have made him one of the world's most popular religious leaders. '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 in his birthday message. 'Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place.' The celebrations also included his key announcement that, after being inundated with messages of support from fellow Tibetans both inside and in exile, the spiritual institution will continue after his death. He said he had received appeals from followers from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China. The seemingly esoteric matters of reincarnation have real-world political consequences, with Tibetans fearing his death will mark a major setback in his push for more autonomy for the Himalayan region. The Dalai Lama said his India-based office alone would 'exclusively' identify that successor — prompting a swift and sharp reply from China that the reincarnation 'must be approved by the central government' in Beijing. China said the succession would be carried out 'by drawing lots from a golden urn', foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters on Wednesday. That urn is held by Beijing, and the Dalai Lama has warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks 'any spiritual quality'. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered effusive birthday greetings on Sunday, calling the Dalai Lama an 'enduring symbol of love'. India and China are intense rivals competing for influence across South Asia, but have sought to repair ties after a 2020 border clash. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said in a statement that Washington was 'committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans'. Among the crowds attending the celebrations was Hollywood star Richard Gere, a longtime backer of the Tibetans in exile, who on Sunday said the Dalai Lama 'totally embodies selflessness, complete love and compassion and wisdom'. Messages of support were also given by former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as Barack Obama, who said the Dalai Lama had shown what it means to 'speak up for freedom and dignity'. The ceremony ended with the Dalai Lama eating a slice of cake and thousands singing 'happy birthday'. No details have been released for the future succession. All so far have been men or boys, often identified as toddlers and taking up the role only as teenagers. The current Dalai Lama, himself identified in 1937, has said that if there is a successor it will come from the 'free world' outside China's control. In a speech to followers on Sunday, the Dalai Lama said his practice of Buddhism meant he had dedicated his life towards seeking compassion. 'I'm now 90 and... when I reflect on my life, I see that I have not wasted my life at all', he said, speaking in Tibetan. 'I would not have regrets at the time of my death; rather I would be able to die very peacefully.' –AFP
New Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'Simple Buddhist monk' Dalai Lama marks landmark 90th birthday
MCLEOD GANJ, India: Calling himself a "simple Buddhist monk" who usually didn't celebrate birthdays, the Dalai Lama marked his 90th on Sunday by praying for peace after China insisted it would have final say on who succeeded the Tibetan spiritual leader. Chanting of red-robed monks and nuns rang out from Himalayan hilltop forested temples in India, home to the Dalai Lama since he and thousands of other Tibetans fled Chinese troops who crushed an uprising in their capital Lhasa in 1959. "I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations," the Dalai Lama said in a message, thanking those marking it with him for using the opportunity "to cultivate peace of mind and compassion". Dressed in traditional robes and a flowing yellow wrap, walking with the aid of two monks while flashing his trademark beaming smile to thousands of followers, he watched dramatic dance troupes with clanging cymbals before the start of prayers. Beijing condemns the Nobel Peace Prize winner -- who has led a lifelong campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau -- as a rebel and separatist. Alongside the celebrations, however, is the worry for Tibetans in exile that China will name its successor to bolster control over the territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. That raises the likelihood of rival challengers to the post; one by self-declared atheist Beijing, the other by the Dalai Lama's office based in neighbouring India, a regional rival of China. The celebrations on Sunday are the culmination of days of long-life prayers for Tenzin Gyatso, who followers believe is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, a man whose moral teachings and idiosyncratic humour have made him one of the world's most popular religious leaders. "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 in his birthday message. "Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place." The celebrations also included his key announcement that, after being inundated with messages of support from fellow Tibetans both inside and in exile, the spiritual institution will continue after his death. He said he had received appeals from followers from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China. The seemingly esoteric matters of reincarnation have real-world political consequences, with Tibetans fearing his death will mark a major setback in his push for more autonomy for the Himalayan region. The Dalai Lama said his India-based office alone would "exclusively" identify that successor -- prompting a swift and sharp reply from China that the reincarnation "must be approved by the central government" in Beijing. China said the succession would be carried out "by drawing lots from a golden urn", foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters on Wednesday. That urn is held by Beijing, and the Dalai Lama has warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks "any spiritual quality". - AFP
eNCA
05-07-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Dalai Lama, on eve of 90th, aims to live for decades more
MCLEOD GANJ - The Dalai Lama said Saturday he dreamed of living for decades more, as the Buddhist spiritual leader prayed with thousands of exiled Tibetans on the eve of his 90th birthday. Thumping drums and deep horns reverberated from the Indian hilltop temple, as a chanting chorus of red-robed monks and nuns offered long-life prayers for Tenzin Gyatso, who followers believe is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. Looking in good health, dressed in traditional maroon monk robes and a flowing yellow wrap, he led prayers -- days after confirming that the 600-year-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue after his death. Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name its own successor to the Dalai Lama, to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. "So far, I have done my best and with the continued blessings of Avalokiteshvara (a Buddhist spiritual protector), I hope to live another 30 or 40 years, continuing to serve sentient beings and the Buddha Dharma", he said, referring to the teachings of the Buddha. Followers of the Dalai Lama laud his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau about the size of South Africa. AFP | Niharika KULKARNI But speaking at the main temple in the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades -- after Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959 -- he offered teachings to a far wider audience. "In my life, I have encountered people from all walks of life, those with faith in religion and others with no interest in it at all. This is only natural, as individuals have different mental dispositions", he said, speaking in Tibetan. "Yet, the common desire shared by all, including the Tibetan people, is the wish to avoid suffering and to experience happiness." The charismatic Buddhist had previously said the institution would continue only if there was popular demand -- and his confirmation on Wednesday it would has reassured followers around the globe. He said he had received multiple appeals from Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, as well as from Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China. He said responsibility for identifying the 15th Dalai Lama "will rest exclusively" with his office, the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust. Self-declared atheist and Communist China, which condemns the Nobel Peace Prize winner as a rebel and separatist, issued a swift response. China said on Wednesday that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama "must be approved by the central government" in Beijing, and that it would be carried out "by drawing lots from a golden urn", foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters. That urn is held by Beijing, and the Dalai Lama has already warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks "any spiritual quality". India and China are intense rivals competing for influence across South Asia, but have sought to repair ties after a 2020 border clash. New Delhi's foreign minister said it had "always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so". - 'Struggle' - The birthday celebrations have also been a time for reflection on an inevitable future without the Dalai Lama. "Seeing him turn 90 today fills me with happiness, but also a deep sadness," said Dorje Dolma, 27, who fled Tibet to India. "His Holiness has always felt like a father figure to me," she added. "His good health brings me joy, but his age sometimes worries me." Hollywood star Richard Gere, a longtime backer of the Tibetans in exile, has been among the tens of thousands taking part in days of celebrations. "There's something about this Tibetan cause that touches people, and certainly, a central part of that is His Holiness the Dalai Lama," Gere said during celebrations on Thursday. "Which begs the question: What do we do when we don't have His Holiness to open those doors? He's not there to carry us. And we struggle with that, all of us now." by Tenzin Woeden
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Dalai Lama says he will have successor after his death
MCLEOD GANJ: The Dalai Lama said Wednesday that the 600-year-old Tibetan spiritual institution would continue after his death, reassuring Buddhist followers around the globe and saying his office 'exclusively' would name his successor, even as China insisted it would. Followers of the Dalai Lama laud his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau in China about the size of South Africa. It is a landmark decision for Tibetans, many of whom had feared a future without a leader, as well as 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. According to Tibetans, Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. He 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 charismatic Nobel Peace Prize-winning Buddhist had previously said the institution of Dalai Lama would continue only if there was popular demand. He said Wednesday he had received multiple appeals over the past 14 years from the Tibetan diaspora, Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China, 'earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue'. 'In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal,' he said in a video broadcast at the start of a meeting of religious leaders in the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades. 'In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,' he added, according to an official translation. The announcement was made ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6. 'Historic' While China condemns him as a rebel and separatist, the internationally recognised Dalai Lama describes himself as a 'simple Buddhist monk'. Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name its own successor to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950. But the Dalai Lama said Wednesday that responsibility for identifying the 15th Dalai Lama 'will rest exclusively' with the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust, the office of the Dalai Lama. Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior Tibetan leader from the Gaden Phodrang Trust, told reporters that the Dalai Lama was 'in excellent health' and that, at this time, there were 'no further instructions for succession'. However, Rinpoche said the next Dalai Lama could be of 'any nationality', and would come from a place where there is 'access to freedom'. China said on Wednesday that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama 'must be approved by the central government' in Beijing, and that it would be carried out 'by drawing lots from a golden urn', foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters. That urn is held by Beijing, and the Dalai Lama has already warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks 'any spiritual quality'. The Dalai Lama handed over political authority in 2011 to an exiled government chosen democratically by 130,000 Tibetans globally. At the same time, he warned that the future of his spiritual post faced an 'obvious risk of vested political interests misusing the reincarnation system'. In 1995, Beijing selected a Panchen Lama, another influential Tibetan religious figure, and detained a Dalai Lama-recognised six-year-old, described by rights groups as the world's youngest political prisoner. The Dalai Lama's announcement about the continuation of the role was welcomed with relief by Tibetans, including by Jigme Taydeh, a civil servant with the India-based Tibetan government. 'Whilst we rejoice at this confirmation of its continuation, we stringently object to China's interference and plans to install a puppet Dalai Lama', he said. 'Neither the Tibetans nor the world would recognise such mischief.'
