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France 24
05-07-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Dalai Lama, on eve of 90th, aims to live for decades more
Thumping drums and deep horns reverberated from the Indian hilltop temple, as a chanting chorus of red-robed monks and nuns offered long-life prayers for Tenzin Gyatso, who followers believe is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. Looking in good health, dressed in traditional maroon monk robes and a flowing yellow wrap, he led prayers -- days after confirming that the 600-year-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue after his death. Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name its own successor to the Dalai Lama, to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. "So far, I have done my best and with the continued blessings of Avalokiteshvara (a Buddhist spiritual protector), I hope to live another 30 or 40 years, continuing to serve sentient beings and the Buddha Dharma", he said, referring to the teachings of the Buddha. Followers of the Dalai Lama laud his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau about the size of South Africa. 'Experience happiness' But speaking at the main temple in the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades -- after Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959 -- he offered teachings to a far wider audience. "In my life, I have encountered people from all walks of life, those with faith in religion and others with no interest in it at all. This is only natural, as individuals have different mental dispositions", he said, speaking in Tibetan. "Yet, the common desire shared by all, including the Tibetan people, is the wish to avoid suffering and to experience happiness." The charismatic Buddhist had previously said the institution would continue only if there was popular demand -- and his confirmation on Wednesday it would has reassured followers around the globe. He said he had received multiple appeals from Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, as well as from Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China. He said responsibility for identifying the 15th Dalai Lama "will rest exclusively" with his office, the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust. Self-declared atheist and Communist China, which condemns the Nobel Peace Prize winner as a rebel and separatist, issued a swift response. China said on Wednesday that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama "must be approved by the central government" in Beijing, and that it would be carried out "by drawing lots from a golden urn", foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters. That urn is held by Beijing, and the Dalai Lama has already warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks "any spiritual quality". India and China are intense rivals competing for influence across South Asia, but have sought to repair ties after a 2020 border clash. New Delhi's foreign minister said it had "always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so". 'Struggle' The birthday celebrations have also been a time for reflection on an inevitable future without the Dalai Lama. "Seeing him turn 90 today fills me with happiness, but also a deep sadness," said Dorje Dolma, 27, who fled Tibet to India. "His Holiness has always felt like a father figure to me," she added. "His good health brings me joy, but his age sometimes worries me." Hollywood star Richard Gere, a longtime backer of the Tibetans in exile, has been among the tens of thousands taking part in days of celebrations. "There's something about this Tibetan cause that touches people, and certainly, a central part of that is His Holiness the Dalai Lama," Gere said during celebrations on Thursday.
France 24
05-07-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Prayers for the Dalai Lama in the heart of Mongolian Buddhism
Buddhism has been Mongolia's dominant religion for centuries, and the country's last king, Bogd Khan, was born in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. The Gandantegchinlen Monastery has long been the heart of the faith in Mongolia, where more than half the population identifies as Buddhist. The Dalai Lama insisted this week that his office "exclusively" would name his successor, even as China said it would do so. Worshipper Jamyandorj Baljinnyam credited him with bringing about a renaissance in the faith. "Before the Dalai Lama, Buddhism wasn't well known in many parts of the world," he told AFP. "Thanks to his influence, everyone now accepts that Buddhism is not only a religion but also a comprehensive scientific philosophy," he said. "He brought us all together. I even know worshippers from Africa." China's government insisted this week that the next Dalai Lama must be appointed with its approval, in a process carried out by drawing lots from a golden urn under a method introduced by a Qing dynasty emperor in the 18th century. That urn is held by Beijing and the Dalai Lama has already warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks "any spiritual quality". Buddhist institutions wield significant political influence in Mongolia, which is sandwiched between Russia and China, and many there were reluctant to speak openly about the succession given its sensitivities. Ruth Gamble, a historian of Tibet at Australia's La Trobe University, said Mongolian Buddhists could find themselves trapped in a geopolitical clash with a uniquely spiritual bent. "I think we're going to end up with two Dalai Lamas, or two people understood by different groups to be Dalai Lamas," she told AFP. "Who will the other Buddhist, Tibetan Buddhist, or Vajrayana Buddhist countries like Bhutan and Mongolia -- which side of this debate will they go on?" In the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, where visitors spin golden Tibetan prayer wheels on which mantras are written, worshipper Baasanbat Ulzii said she prayed to the Dalai Lama's portrait every night. "It makes everything feel complete," she told AFP. "He's turning 90 years old, which is such a long time," she added. "I truly hope the next Dalai Lama continues his legacy, uniting all Buddhist communities under one roof and spreading goodness through his will."
The Independent
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Dalai Lama announces reincarnation plan
The 14th Dalai Lama has affirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after his death, responding to appeals from Tibetans. He said that his Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. The Dalai Lama said that his successor will be born outside China and urged followers to reject any candidate appointed by Beijing. He reiterated that no one else has the authority to interfere in the reincarnation process, specifically excluding external interference. The Chinese government, which claims sole authority to name a successor, has accused the Dalai Lama of attempting to manipulate the reincarnation process.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Dalai Lama makes announcement over whether he will have a successor, as Buddhists around the world fear an end to the 600-year institution
The exiled spiritual leader of Tibet has confirmed that he will have a successor when he dies, reassuring Buddhist followers around the globe that the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. It is a landmark decision for Tibetans, many of whom had feared a future without a leader. Supporters around the world who see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of non-violence, compassion and the enduring struggle for Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule will also be relieved at the decision. According to Tibetans, Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is lauded by his followers for his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau in China about the size of South Africa. He and thousands of other Tibetans have lived in exile in India since Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959. The charismatic Nobel Peace Prize-winning Buddhist had previously said the institution of Dalai Lama would continue only if there was popular demand. He said Wednesday he had received multiple appeals over the past 14 years from Tibetan diaspora in exile, Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China, 'earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue'. 'In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal,' he said in a video broadcast at the start of a meeting of religious leaders in the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades. 'In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,' he added, according to an official translation. His advanced age had also sparked concern over the future of Tibetan leadership and the delicate question of his succession. The announcement was made ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6. While China condemns him as a rebel and separatist, the internationally recognised Dalai Lama describes himself as a 'simple Buddhist monk'. Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name its own successor to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950. But the Dalai Lama said Wednesday that responsibility for identifying the 15th Dalai Lama 'will rest exclusively' with the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust, the office of the Dalai Lama. 'I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,' he added. Chemi Lhamo, 30, a Tibetan activist in exile, said she was convinced the continuation of the role of Dalai Lama would serve the cause of a Tibetans. 'There isn't a doubt that the Dalai Lama institution will also continue to serve the benefit of humanity,' Lhamo said, adding the announcement sent a message to Beijing to 'unequivocally reject' any role in identifying the future leader. The Dalai Lama handed over political authority in 2011 to an exiled government chosen democratically by 130,000 Tibetans globally. At the same time, he warned that the future of his spiritual post faced an 'obvious risk of vested political interests misusing the reincarnation system'.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dalai Lama suggests institution to continue at 90th birthday launch
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, gave on Monday the strongest indication yet that the 600-year-old institution would continue after his death, at prayer celebrations for his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama joined thousands of Buddhist followers on Monday in the prayer celebrations, a landmark event resonating far beyond the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades. "As far as the institution of the Dalai Lama, there will be some kind of a framework within which we can talk about its continuation", he said, speaking in Tibetan. The leader, who turns 90 on July 6, is according to Tibetans the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. He and thousands of other Tibetans have lived in exile in India since Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959. Draped in traditional maroon and yellow robes, the Dalai Lama sat and listened to speeches and chants of monks, nuns, pilgrims, as well as well-wishers from across the world on Monday. "Though I am 90 years old, physically I am very healthy," he said, before tasting a slice of Tibetan-style birthday cake, an elaborately decorated tower made from roasted barley and butter cut in front of him. "In the time I have left, I will continue to dedicate myself to the well-being of others as much as possible," he said. - 'Continuation' - The Dalai Lama's 90th birthday is more than a personal milestone. The charismatic Nobel Peace Prize-winning Buddhist Tenzin Gyatso is also expected to reveal if there will be another Dalai Lama after him. The Dalai Lama has said the institution will continue only if there is popular demand -- and is widely expected to reveal that decision on Wednesday. The occasion carries profound weight not only for Tibetans, but also for global supporters who see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of non-violence, compassion, and the enduring struggle for Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule. "We offer our fervent devotions that Tenzin Gyatso, protector of the Land of Snows, lives for one hundred eons," a chorus of red-robed monks sang. "May all your noble aspirations be fulfilled," they added, in front of a crowd that included religious leaders of many faiths. His advancing age has also sparked concern over the future of Tibetan leadership and the delicate question of his succession. While China condemns him as a rebel and separatist, the internationally recognised Dalai Lama describes himself as a "simple Buddhist monk". Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name a successor to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950. The Dalai Lama has been lauded by his followers for his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau in China about the size of South Africa. The Dalai Lama handed over political authority in 2011 to an exiled government chosen democratically by 130,000 Tibetans globally. At the same time, he warned that the future of his spiritual post faced an "obvious risk of vested political interests misusing the reincarnation system". str-pjm/hmn
