The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader would like to live until he is 130 | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebration
• Exile in India
• Promotion of peace, simplicity, and service
• Successor announcement
• Tibetan cause of freedom
• China's claim to appoint the next Dalai Lama
• Selflessness, love, compassion, and wisdom

Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday and Reflections

The Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in India, where he has lived in exile for over six decades. He stated that he has no regrets in life and expressed his desire to live to 130. He views his life as one dedicated to serving other sentient beings and finds peace in this service. He emphasizes that despite holding the title of Dalai Lama, he maintains humility and avoids pride or arrogance.

Celebrations and Tributes

Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists and followers from around the world gathered in Dharamshala, India, to celebrate the Dalai Lama's birthday. Followers expressed that being present at the celebration was a "dream come true," highlighting the inspirational nature of his teachings and his dedication to the Tibetan cause and international humanity. Hollywood actor Richard Gere paid tribute, emphasizing the Dalai Lama's embodiment of selflessness, love, compassion, and wisdom, stating, "We've never seen a human being like this."

Exile and the Tibetan Cause

The Dalai Lama has been living in exile since 1959, when he and thousands of other Tibetans fled Chinese troops who suppressed an uprising in Lhasa. Since then, he has focused on advocating for the Tibetan cause of freedom.

Succession and China's Claim

The Dalai Lama recently announced that he will have a successor after his death, ending speculation about the future of the title. Beijing continues to label him as an anti-China separatist and asserts its authority to appoint the next Dalai Lama based on historical tradition. The Dalai Lama has challenged China's claim, stating that his successor must be born in a free country, not under Chinese control.