The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday following a week of festivities organized by his followers. During the celebrations, he once again drew Beijing’s ire by expressing hopes of living beyond 130 years and reaffirming his intention to reincarnate after death.
Recognized globally as a powerful moral and spiritual figure, the Dalai Lama enjoys widespread respect that reaches far beyond the Buddhist community. However, China views him as a separatist and has long attempted to assert control over Tibetan Buddhism and its leadership.
In 1959, after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet and took refuge in India, along with thousands of his compatriots. Since then, he has championed a nonviolent “Middle Way” approach, advocating for genuine autonomy and religious freedom for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese constitution.
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Wearing his traditional yellow and burgundy robes, the Dalai Lama arrived at a temple in Dharamshala to warm applause and smiles from thousands of monks and followers. Despite the rainy morning in the quiet Indian hill town where he has lived in exile for decades, spirits were high as he made his way to the stage, walking slowly with assistance from fellow monks and offering waves and greetings to the gathered crowd.
“Being human, it is natural for us to love and help each other,” he said following a vibrant Tibetan cultural performance featuring songs in honor of his longevity. “I live my life in service to other sentient beings.” Seated beside him on stage were longtime allies and guests, including Western diplomats, Indian federal ministers, actor and activist Richard Gere, and a senior monk expected to lead the search for his reincarnation.
The ceremony also drew international messages of support. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, Indian regional leaders from Himalayan states, and three former U.S. presidents—Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton—sent greetings, with their video messages broadcast during the event in a clear display of global solidarity.
During the week-long lead-up to his birthday, the Dalai Lama reaffirmed his intent to reincarnate as the future spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism. He also emphasized that only his charitable organization, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, holds the legitimate authority to identify and recognize his successor—a pointed reminder amid China’s efforts to assert influence over the succession process.
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China has asserted that any future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must receive official approval from its leadership—an assertion strongly opposed by the United States, which has repeatedly called on Beijing to stop what it calls interference in the succession of the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan Buddhist leaders.
The Dalai Lama left the celebration abruptly after spending around two hours at the event and tasting a piece of his birthday cake. According to a source, he had not been feeling well earlier in the day.
Several guests took the stage to offer remarks, including India’s Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju—a practicing Buddhist—who previously made headlines for publicly supporting the Dalai Lama’s stance on the succession issue, a rare move among Indian officials.
Rijiju later clarified that his comments reflected his personal beliefs, after China issued a warning to New Delhi against what it described as interference in its internal affairs, cautioning that such statements could strain bilateral relations.
Despite the diplomatic sensitivities, Rijiju reaffirmed his respect for the Tibetan spiritual leader at the ceremony. “The Dalai Lama is India’s most honored guest. We feel blessed by his presence in our country,” he said. He emphasized the importance of supporting the Tibetan cause and added, “As a devotee, I will follow the directions and guidance issued by the institution of the Dalai Lama.”
The morning’s festivities featured a series of cultural performances, including appearances by Bollywood playback singers, as well as the reading of messages from world leaders expressing admiration and support for the Dalai Lama.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted his greetings on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also sent a message honoring the Dalai Lama, praising him as a global figure who continues to inspire through his unwavering message of “unity, peace, and compassion.”
In a statement released by the State Department, Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s stance on Tibet: “The United States remains firmly 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.”
