Tibetan exiles anxious about future as Tenzin Gyatso nears 90
As the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, approaches his 90th birthday on July 6, 2025, Tibetan exiles are voicing growing anxiety over the institution's future and who will succeed him.
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Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Will Dalai Lama name successor? All eyes on his 90th b'day event
The scenic hill-town of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, is abuzz with anticipation as it prepares to celebrate the 90th birthday of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. The event, considered to be a milestone, is drawing attention from all over the world because it is being expected that the Dalai Lama will speak regarding his reincarnation. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. (AP) He is expected to issue a statement at the upcoming 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, scheduled to be held from July 2 to 4, ahead of his birthday. The spiritual leader, who was recognised as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the age of two and has been living in exile in Dharamshala for 66 years, had in 2011 said that he would speak on the matter (reincarnation) when he reached the age of 90. The Dalai Lama will turn 90 on July 6. The statement is likely to address the crucial issue of his reincarnation. More than 100 Tibetan Buddhist leaders and representatives (from all major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism) are set to attend the conference. Political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Sikyong Penpa Tsering said that at the beginning of the conference on July 2, his holiness the Dalai Lama will send his message. 'The only official document regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is the one dated September, 2011, which states that His Holiness will make a statement on the matter upon reaching the age of 90. I am sure that his upcoming statement will reflect the matters on reincarnation,' he added. The Dalai Lama's succession plan comes with significant complexities, particularly in addressing China's ongoing efforts to interfere in the reincarnation process. Tibetans say that the process of recognising the reincarnations of lamas in Tibetan Buddhism is solely and uniquely a Tibetan religious tradition. In contrast, Beijing maintains that the process of selecting his successor must adhere to Chinese law, asserting its control over Tibetan Buddhism and rejecting any succession beyond its authority. In 1959, at 23 years old, the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, fled to Dharamshala with thousands of Tibetans following a failed uprising against Mao Zedong's Communist rule, which gained control of Tibet in 1950. Successor will be born in free world In his recent book, 'Voice for the Voiceless', the Dalai Lama said that his successor as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism will be born in the 'free world', in an apparent reference to areas outside China, and urged his followers to reject any successor chosen by Beijing. Notably, The 14th Dalai Lama, who attended his 90th birthday celebration, on Monday said, 'As far as the institution of the Dalai Lama is concerned, there will be a framework for it to continue.' According to the Tibetan calendar, the Tibetan spiritual leader's birthday was on Monday, the fifth day of the fifth month. He also said that although he is now 90 years old, he is physically healthy and well. Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay said, 'China should understand the nature of Tibetan Buddhist traditions of reincarnation and also should understand that there is no space for the Chinese communist regime to interfere in the process of the reincarnation of his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.' The Dalai Lama, who has been a Tibetans' binding force, is seen (by China) as a significant challenge to China's control over Tibet. 'Even after 75 years of occupation in Tibet, China is seen as an enemy of the faith by the Tibetans. Chinese leaders in Tibet are deeply insecure about their control over Tibet. Any loss of control like the Tibetan uprising that spread across the Tibetan Plateau during Beijing 2008 Olympics could lead to a cascade of protest even in other occupied territories like East Turkestan and southern Mongolia. That's why Beijing is wracking its brains in scheming how to duplicate the Dalai Lama's power without having to be responsible for the people and land of Tibet. Xi Jinping's frustration is that the Dalai Lama is healthy at 90, still witty as hell,' says Dharamshala based Tibetan writer and activist Tenzin Tsundue. 'May live up to 110 year or more' Despite growing frail, the Dalai Lama has also revealed that his dreams have indicated he may live to be 110 years old or more. According to Tibetan tradition, the search for the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama—who will serve as his successor—begins only after the passing of the incumbent. Many believe that the Tibetan spiritual leader may even choose emanation, to outfox China's interference in the process of reincarnation. 'Ordinary sentient beings generally cannot manifest an emanation before death (ma-dhey tulku), but superior Bodhisattvas, who can manifest themselves in hundreds or thousands of bodies simultaneously, can manifest an emanation before death,' reads the 2011 statement of the 14th Dalai Lama. International community should stand against China's interference Dorjee Tseten, member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, who is also the Asia Program Manager of Tibet Action Institute highlighted that now is the time for the international community to defend the Dalai Lama's succession from China's interference. 'Despite China's attempts to interfere, Tibetans remain confident in our strength to uphold Tibetan religious traditions. It is now time for governments and the international community to publicly and diplomatically defend the Tibetan people's right to determine the Dalai Lama's succession without China's interference and to stand in solidarity with our struggle for freedom and self-determination,' he said. Born as Tenzin Gyatso on July 6, 1935, in a humble farming family at Taktser village in the Amdo province of China-occupied Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama's life has been one of extraordinary resilience. Following the unsuccessful uprising against the Chinese occupation in 1959, the Dalai Lama sought refuge in India, where he set up the government-in-exile in Dharamsala, and became the global face of the struggle. Though the Dalai Lama had anticipated a temporary exile, Beijing's control over Tibet has only strengthened, making his return to his homeland increasingly impossible.
India Gazette
9 hours ago
- India Gazette
Dalai Lama's 90th birthday, as per Tibetan calendar, celebrated with vibrant festivities in Dharamshala
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 30 (ANI): The main Tibetan temple, Tsuglagkhang, in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala, erupted in vibrant festivities on Monday, as devotees and crowds gathered there to celebrate the 90th birthday of the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the 14th Dalai Lama. The celebration on June 30 is based on the dates as per the Tibetan calendar, whereas, according to the Gregorian calendar, the birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama falls on July 6. During the event, the Dalai Lama addressed the gathering, reaffirming his commitment to peace and service to Tibet and humanity amidst a confluence of interfaith leaders and global well-wishers who were present there, as noted by the President of the Central Tibetan Administration, Sikyong Penpa Tsering. 'This is according to the Tibetan calendar; June 30th is His Holiness' birthday, but the official ceremony, according to the Western calendar, will take place on July 6th... There are many gatherings and a lot of people, and since the place is very small, most of the general public are at the monastery instead of here because we can't fit everyone. His Holiness spoke very briefly and reiterated his commitment to serving Tibet and humanity,' Tsering told ANI. The celebrations were organised by the Dhomey Cholkha, people from the Amdo region of Tibet. The celebrations, part of a series of events leading to the official ceremony on July 6, have drawn a diverse array of spiritual and political figures, reflecting the Dalai Lama's global influence. Yoga Guru and President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, highlighted the universal message of peace delivered by the Dalai Lama. 'Dalai Lama ji is a blessing to the world, and his message is very clean, clear, and bold: we are here on this Earth to be in peace, not in pieces... We are seeing wars everywhere, but his message is one of peace, not war... This is the same message of PM Modi of peace... Love and healing are the ways... We are celebrating together here the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama,' Swami Chidanand Saraswati stated. Spiritual leader Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati, also present at the event, echoed the theme of compassion and forgiveness during times when the world is gripped with wars and conflicts. 'His Holiness has reminded us these days that we are the problem and the solution. In times of war, violence, and separation, people feel oppressed, repressed, and harmed, which leads them to believe they cannot forgive or love. They think they must fight and be violent. However, His Holiness has been a shining example of the teaching that no matter what has been done to you, you can live in love, compassion, peace, and truth. And in that, you bring this love again to the world,' she stated. Jain priest Acharya Lokesh Muni further emphasised the interfaith consensus on non-violence, stating, 'On the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama, all of us interfaith leaders have gathered today, and we have expressed that war and violence are not the solution to any problem. Through dialogue, peace can be achieved; problems can be solved through open discussion. We all wish for the good life of the Dalai Lama and emphasise that religion teaches us connection, not division. Violence in religion has no place, there can be no room for hate, fear, or hatred... We want 'Buddha', not 'Yuddh.'' From July 2 to 4, Dharmshala will host a major three-day conference bringing together senior Buddhist monks, scholars, and representatives from various global Buddhist traditions on the occasion of the 90th Birthday of the Dalai Lama. The event is expected to conclude with a highly anticipated address by the Dalai Lama, during which he is likely to provide long-awaited clarity on the future of the Tibetan reincarnation tradition and his own succession plans. Meanwhile, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will organise a special event on July 13 at the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi to celebrate the birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama. (ANI)
Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Indian Express
Why the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday this week matters for Tibetans, and beyond
The 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, said on Monday (June 30) that the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lamas will happen under 'some kind of a framework'. The statement assumes significance because in 2011, the leader stated he would consult the Tibetan High Lamas and the Tibetan people to re-evaluate whether the institution should continue when he turns 90. His 90th birthday is on Sunday, July 6. From July 2 to July 4, a Buddhist religious conference will be held in McLeodganj, Dharamshala. There is also anticipation around a video statement from the Dalai Lama, which could mention the process for selecting the next reincarnation of the holy leader. The selection of the next Dalai Lama matters not just for Tibetan Buddhists but also for China, India, and the United States. Following an uprising against Chinese control of Tibet, the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 with 80,000 of his followers and established a government-in-exile. The Chinese government has since described him as a 'wolf in monk's clothes' and sought to extend its control over Tibetan Buddhism. Here is what to know. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 to a farming family in a small hamlet in Taktser, Amdo, in northeastern Tibet. He was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama when he was two years old. According to the website of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), established in India following the exodus from Tibet, the Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, 'the Bodhisattva of Compassion and patron saint of Tibet'. In Buddhism, Bodhisattvas are considered enlightened figures, even worshipped, but they are perceived differently by the various branches of the faith. For example, Mahayana Buddhism, which is considered a less orthodox branch, prioritises taking everyone along on the path to true knowledge and salvation. Bodhisattvas are to live among the people, and help them alleviate their suffering and ultimately achieve an enlightened state, even if they must delay their own enlightenment for it. Tibetan Buddhism also contains influences from Mahayana Buddhism. The First Dalai Lama (the title means 'Ocean of Wisdom'), Gedun Drupa, was born in 1391 in the Tsang region of central Tibet. The Second Dalai Lama, Gedun Gyatso, was born in 1475, and was recognised as a reincarnation of the first Dalai Lama at the age of 11. By the 17th century, the position was also bestowed with political powers. In the past, the reincarnation process has involved, among other things, the new leader identifying some of the old leader's belongings as proof of remembering his past life. The current Dalai Lama once said, 'reincarnation is a phenomenon which should take place either through the voluntary choice of the concerned person or at least on the strength of his or her karma, merit, and prayers'. In 2019, the present Dalai Lama told Time Magazine, 'On one occasion the Dalai Lama institution started. That means there must be one occasion when the institution is no longer relevant. Stop. No problem. This is not my concern. China's communists, I think, are showing more concern.' The suggestion of a possible abolishment had to do with concerns about China influencing the process, and choosing its own, pro-Beijing Dalai Lama. A similar story played out in the selection of the Panchen Lama, the senior-most spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government announced Gyaltsen Norbu as the Panchen Lama in 1995, after the Dalai Lama chose Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the Panchen Lama. The then six-year-old boy soon went missing, and there were allegations that the Chinese government had played a role in his abduction. Chinese authorities have denied these allegations and occasionally provided sparse updates on Nyima. However, he has not been seen publicly in the past three decades. Chinese President Xi Jinping met Norbu, 35, in Beijing last month and spoke about him playing 'a greater role in forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, systematically promoting the principle that religions in China must be Chinese in orientation'. Over the years, China has projected claims about the continuing historical unity of past Chinese kingdoms with Tibet, even as critics and Tibetan activists have challenged those arguments. Tibet matters to China for several reasons, including its strategic location and its rivers and natural resources. Human rights groups have said that millions of Han Chinese — the largest ethnic community in China — have been settled in Tibet, with a clampdown on indigenous Tibetan culture. This is among the several practices dubbed as 'Sinicisation', or the state's push to align minority groups and cultures within China with that of the majority. What could happen next? In 2011, the Dalai Lama had said that if the institution of the Dalai Lama were to continue, there would be 'an obvious risk of vested political interests misusing the reincarnation system to fulfill their own political agenda'. The same year, he renounced his political duties, tasking the CTA with them. He said that he would draw up clear guidelines to recognise the next Dalai Lama, 'so that there is no room for doubt or deception'. This is why the coming week holds significance. Since the late 1980s, the Dalai Lama's aims have shifted from independence for Tibet to greater autonomy for Tibet within China. In his book Voice for the Voiceless, published this year, he wrote, 'I, for one, do not believe it would be so difficult for the Chinese government to make the Tibetans feel welcome and happy within the family of the People's Republic of China. Like all people, Tibetans would like to be respected, have agency within their own home, and have the freedom to be who they are. The aspirations and the needs of the Tibetan people cannot be met simply through economic development.' He added that it was 'totally inappropriate for Chinese Communists, who explicitly reject religion, including the idea of past and future lives, to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, let alone that of the Dalai Lama'. He added that the next Dalai Lama would be born in the 'free world', meaning outside Tibet. The leadership transition will also be important for India, the home of the Central Tibetan Administration, and the United States, which has positioned Tibet as a key issue in its relations with China. Last year, US lawmakers passed the Tibet Dispute Act, with then President Joe Biden stating, 'My Administration will continue to call on the People's Republic of China to resume direct dialogue, without preconditions, with the Dalai Lama, or his representatives, to seek a settlement that resolves differences and leads to a negotiated agreement on Tibet.' Rishika Singh is a Senior sub-editor at the Explained Desk of The Indian Express. She enjoys writing on issues related to international relations, and in particular, likes to follow analyses of news from China. Additionally, she writes on developments related to politics and culture in India. ... Read More
