Dalai Lama Celebrates Milestone 90th Birthday Amid Rain and Reverence

Celebrating a pivotal milestone, the Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, where throngs of supporters, including notable figures like Richard Gere, gathered to honor his legacy of peace and compassion amidst challenging weather conditions.

Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists gathered in India's Dharamshala on Sunday to celebrate the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday, showing unwavering spirit despite heavy monsoon rains. The Tibetan spiritual leader, adorned in traditional robes and a flowing yellow scarf, was seen smiling and walking with the aid of two monks as he made his way to the festivities. Festivities included echoing chants, cultural performances with cymbals and bagpipes, and the presence of Indian ministers and devoted followers, including Hollywood actor Richard Gere.

At the heart of the celebration, Richard Gere expressed the day's joy and praised the Dalai Lama, calling him the embodiment of selflessness. The birthday festivities marked the conclusion of a week dedicated to long-life prayers, starting a week prior in sync with the Dalai Lama’s birthday on the Tibetan lunar calendar. During a prior ceremony, he addressed concerns over his health, assuring followers that he was in "great physical condition" and humorously predicted he would live for another 40 years.

While usually averse to birthday gatherings, the Dalai Lama expressed gratitude for the occasion, encouraging followers to reflect on compassion and peace of mind. He portrayed himself simply as a "Buddhist monk" and acknowledged his lack of regrets at the age of 90. Emphasizing material development's importance, he urged a focus on cultivating a compassionate heart toward all beings.

This birthday celebration unfolded against the backdrop of uncertainty regarding the future of the Dalai Lama's institution. He confirmed his plans for a successor, dispelling speculations that the 600-year-old spiritual lineage risked extinction with his passing. According to Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is believed to be reincarnated following death, a deeply held spiritual belief distinct from political control.

Residing in exile since escaping Chinese rule in 1959, the Dalai Lama has reiterated that his reincarnation would occur outside of China, a claim that Beijing disputes. The Chinese government claims the authority over his succession and procedures and insists it must align with its laws and rituals.

Concerns have arisen among exiled Tibetans about Beijing’s intentions to influence the next Dalai Lama to enforce control over the region, which China has occupied since 1950. In attendance, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President Barack Obama conveyed their well-wishes, with Obama labeling the Dalai Lama as "the youngest 90-year-old I know," reflecting the impact of his lifetime of advocacy for love, compassion, and moral integrity.