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News.com.au
06-07-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
'Simple Buddhist monk' Dalai Lama marks landmark 90th birthday
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. "I would not have regrets at the time of my death; rather I would be able to die very peacefully."
France 24
06-07-2025
- Politics
- France 24
'Simple Buddhist monk' Dalai Lama marks landmark 90th birthday
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. "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. © 2025 AFP
Malay Mail
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Dalai Lama turns 90 in India with prayers for peace as China insists on controlling his successor
DHARAMSHALA, July 6 — 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 and bagpipes 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. '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, compassion, patience and moral discipline'. 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'. 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
Malay Mail
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
India's Modi hails Dalai Lama as ‘symbol of love' on 90th birthday
NEW DELHI, July 6 — India, the decades-long host of the Dalai Lama, called the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader a 'symbol of love' on his 90th birthday today, a landmark anniversary that has raised geopolitical questions for the future. The effusive support is significant, as Tibetans in exile fear China will eventually name its own rival successor to the Dalai Lama, bolstering Beijing's control over Tibet, the territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. India has hosted the Dalai Lama since he and thousands of other Tibetans fled Chinese troops who crushed an uprising in their capital Lhasa in 1959. The Dalai Lama says only his India-based office has the right to identify his eventual successor. 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday,' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement. 'He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline,' he added. 'His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.' China insisted Wednesday that it would have final say on who succeeds the Tibetan spiritual leader. 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'. '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. — AFP
Associated Press
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
A tiny town in India's Himalayas buzzes with activity to celebrate Dalai Lama's 90th birthday
DHARAMSHALA, India (AP) — Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists began streaming in India's Himalayan town of Dharamshala on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama, who said days ago that he plans to reincarnate after dying. Hundreds of red-robed monks and nuns braved incessant rain and poured through the narrow streets of Dharamshala to make their way towards the main Dalai Lama temple, where the spiritual head was scheduled to deliver a speech. A crowd of Tibetans — some carrying ceremonial offerings — walked beside them. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, has been living in exile since he fled Chinese rule in Tibet in 1959, and his birthday will be attended by thousands of his followers from around the world along with celebrities and officials from the United States and India. Earlier this week, the Nobel Peace Prize winning Buddhist spiritual leader said he plans to reincarnate after his death, ending years of speculation that he might be the last person to hold the role. He also said that the next Dalai Lama should be found and recognized as per past Buddhist traditions. On Saturday, the Dalai Lama said he hoped of living for decades more, until the age of 130. In the past the Dalai Lama has said his successor will be born in the 'free world' — outside China. Many exiled Tibetans, however, fear China will name its own successor to the Dalai Lama to bolster control over Tibet, a territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist, has repeatedly said that it alone has the authority to approve the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. It also says it will reject anyone chosen without Beijing's consent. Recognized worldwide in his red robes and wide smile, the Dalai Lama describes himself as a 'simple Buddhist monk.' But millions of Tibetan Buddhists worship him as living manifestations of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion. The Dalai Lama was thrust onto the Tibetan throne in 1937. Soon after, Chinese troops swept into his homeland in the 1950s and crushed a failed uprising, forcing him to escape with thousands of his followers to India where he established a government in exile. Since then, he has spent more than seven decades in exile and sustained a nation in exile by managing to build a community that's kept the Tibetan culture and identity alive. The Dalai Lama has also become one of the world's most recognizable figures while leading a Tibetan diaspora through their struggle for autonomy and opposition of China's control of Tibet.
