“I Am A Simple Buddhist Monk”: Dalai Lama at 90

Dharamshala, 6 July 2025:

In a heartfelt message highlighting humility and compassion, the 14th Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday. The Tibetan spiritual leader referred to himself as "just a simple Buddhist monk" and emphasised his lifelong commitment to helping others in a message posted on X and at a prayer ceremony in McLeodganj. 

He acknowledged the international gatherings held in his honor and remarked, "I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations." He exhorted followers to have compassion and a "good heart" toward everyone, not just their loved ones, in order to balance spiritual well being with material advancement. The Dalai Lama also reminded the world of his dedication to advancing Tibetan culture and wisdom, human values, and religious harmony.“As long as space endures… until then, may I too remain to dispel the miseries of the world,” quoting the Buddhist master, Shantideva.

Thousands of devotees, monks, Buddhist leaders and dignitaries like Richard Gere, as well as Indian ministers like Buddhist Kiren Rijiju, attended the celebration, which featured prayer rituals, cultural performances, and youth forums. Monks chanted the following prayer during the ceremony at the Dalai Lama temple: "May all your noble aspirations be fulfilled," a chorus that perfectly encapsulated the public mood of the occasion. His announcement about succession was a central theme of the birthday festivities. 

According to the Dalai Lama, only his non profit organisation, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, has the right to acknowledge his reincarnation. He declared that his successor would be chosen using traditional Tibetan Buddhist methods outside of China, firmly rejecting any attempt by Beijing to control the process.

World leaders also sent well wishes. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington's commitment to Tibetan cultural freedom, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as a "lasting symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline." Supporting messages were also sent by the president of Taiwan and former US presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. The Dalai Lama has adamantly disagreed with China's official position, which reiterates that any successor must be chosen in accordance with Chinese law. 

In the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions, the venerable monk's serene declaration of continued service and insistence on managing his own spiritual succession serve as a powerful symbol of Tibetan resiliency and religious autonomy as he approaches his 90th birthday.