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Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Unlike China': Dalai Lama lauds India's religious freedom; claims Tibetan traditions in decline under Beijing rule
The Dalai Lama lauds India's religious freedom (Image credits: ANI) NEW DELHI: During his recent visit to Ladakh, the Dalai Lama said that India provides a 'free and flourishing environment' for the study of Buddhism's most profound philosophical teachings, while also highlighting the lack of religious freedom in China, ANI reported, quoting a statement from the Dalai Lama Office. "The precious traditions that we can learn and implement in daily life have declined in Tibet. Those who fled to India have had the responsibility of preserving these traditions,' he said, as cited by ANI. Reflecting on his exile from Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama expressed deep gratitude to the Indian government for its 'immense support' and 'tremendous assistance' to Tibetan refugees. He noted that this support made it possible to revive monastic universities and continue the practice of rigorous scholarly debate central to Buddhist philosophy. Drawing a clear contrast between India and China, the Dalai Lama criticised China's political control over religion, stating that such an environment hinders genuine spiritual growth. "Unlike China, where religious freedom is severely restricted and political control undermines genuine spiritual teaching, India offers a free and flourishing environment for the study of Buddhism's deepest philosophical texts, including the Middle Way (Madhyamaka) and logic (Pramana) from the ancient Nalanda tradition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 4BHK+Family Lounge+Utility room at 4.49Cr (All Incl)* ATS Triumph, Gurgaon Book Now Undo In China, the political situation is not stable, I feel it would be difficult to teach about Buddhism in a country where there is no freedom," he said as cited by ANI. He further praised India's vibrant monastic institutions, where Tibetan Buddhism 's rich tradition of dialectical debate and academic rigor continues to thrive. Students, he said, actively engage in philosophical discussions that foster both insight and compassion. The Dalai Lama also pointed to the shared language, culture, and Buddhist heritage of the Himalayan region and Tibet, noting that Indian institutions play a key role in preserving and spreading the authentic Dharma. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions between India and China regarding the Dalai Lama's successor. The Dalai Lama recently outlined his succession plan, declaring that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit institution he established, holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. China, however, rejected the Tibetan spiritual leader's proposal. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the selection must go through a process approved by Beijing. In response to China's position, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, emphasised that the decision lies solely with the Dalai Lama and traditional Buddhist customs. Speaking at birthday eve celebrations for the Tibetan spiritual leader in Dharamshala on July 5, Rijiju said, 'Dalai Lama institution is purely religious and government of India believes there should be no interference in religious matters... I would like to wish His Holiness a long life... All his devotees desire to see him healthy so that the global community can benefit from his wisdom... I don't want to react on the Chinese statement, but we leave everything to His Holiness. '
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dalai Lama celebrates 90th birthday with followers in north Indian town
The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, has turned 90 to cap a week of celebrations by followers during which he riled China again and spoke about his hope to live beyond 130 and reincarnate after dying. Dressed in his traditional yellow and burgundy robe, the Dalai Lama arrived at a Buddhist temple complex to smiles and claps from thousands of monks and followers who had gathered on a rainy Sunday morning in the north Indian hill town of Dharamshala, where he lives. He waved and greeted them as he walked slowly to the stage with support from monks. 'As far as I am concerned, I have a human life, and as humans, it is quite natural for us to love and help one another. I live my life in the service of other sentient beings,' the Dalai Lama said, flanked on the stage by longtime supporters, including Western diplomats, Indian federal ministers, Hollywood actor Richard Gere, and a monk who is expected to lead the search for his his native Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule, the 14th Dalai Lama, along with hundreds of thousands of Tibetans, took shelter in India and has since advocated for a peaceful 'Middle Way' to seek autonomy and religious freedom for the Tibetan people. A Nobel Peace Prize winner, the Dalai Lama is regarded as one of the world's most influential religious leaders, with a following that extends well beyond Buddhism – but not by Beijing, which calls him a separatist and has sought to bring the faith under its control. In a sign of solidarity, Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te, leaders of Indian states bordering Tibet, and three former United States presidents – Barack Obama, George W Bush, and Bill Clinton – sent video messages which were played during the event. In the preceding week of celebrations, the Dalai Lama had said he would reincarnate as the leader of the faith upon his death and that his nonprofit institution, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, had the sole authority to recognise his successor. China has said the succession will have to be approved by its leaders, and the US has called on Beijing to cease what it describes as interference in the succession of the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan Buddhist lamas. Guests gathered at the ceremony took turns to speak, including Indian Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, who had earlier made a rare statement contradicting China by backing the Dalai Lama's position on his successor. He later clarified that the statement was made in his personal capacity as China warned New Delhi against interfering in its domestic affairs at the expense of bilateral relations. On Sunday, Rijiju said the Dalai Lama was India's 'most honoured guest'. 'We feel blessed for his presence here in our country,' he said. Cultural performances were held throughout the morning, including from Bollywood playback singers, while messages from global leaders were read out. '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,' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.
NDTV
02-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Tibet's Dalai Lama: A Life In Exile In 10 Dates
Tibetan Buddhists believe the current Dalai Lama is the 14th reincarnation of a spiritual leader first born in 1391. He has led Tibetans through some of the most calamitous events in their history. Decades after the Dalai Lama's exile following a failed uprising, Tibetans will gather to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 6. Here are key dates in the life of the leader, monk and Nobel laureate Tenzin Gyatso. 1935: Farming Family Lhamo Thondup is born to a farming family in the rural village of Taktser on July 6, 1935, more than a decade before the Communist Party establishes the People's Republic of China. Situated on a high-altitude plateau, dubbed by some the "roof of the world", Tibet has alternated over the centuries between independence and control by China. At the time, Tibet is largely autonomous, after shaking off both the grip of China's Qing dynasty and a British invasion. 1937: 14th Reincarnation He is just two when Buddhist monks in disguise arrive at his family home searching for the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, who had died four years earlier. The monks are convinced they have found the right boy when he asks for prayer beads that had belonged to his predecessor. In 1940, he is enthroned as Tibet's leader, taking the monastic name Tenzin Gyatso. 1950: China Takes Control The Chinese army pours into Tibet, crushing a ramshackle resistance. Beijing says it "peacefully liberated" the rugged plateau. 1954: Meets Mao He visits Beijing and meets Mao Zedong, who he says tells him that "religion is poison". 1959: Flees to India He flees Lhasa after China deploys troops in the region to crush a popular uprising. Too sick to ride a horse, he crosses the snowy mountain passes into India on the back of a dzomo, a cow-yak hybrid. India allows the establishment of a Tibetan government-in-exile in its northern town of Dharamsala. Beijing calls him a "wolf in monk's robes". 1967: Launches Global Campaign He visits Japan and Thailand, the first stops on a globetrotting campaign to promote his cause, hobnobbing with world leaders and Hollywood stars. China's Cultural Revolution of 1966-76 devastates Tibet. 1988: 'Middle Way' He abandons demands for Tibetan independence, advocating instead for the "Middle Way" approach for greater autonomy. China continues to call him a separatist. 1989: Nobel He receives the Nobel Peace Prize for advocating solutions based "upon tolerance and mutual respect". Beijing, which months earlier had crushed large-scale demonstrations in Lhasa calling for independence, condemns the award as "preposterous". 2011: Political Retirement He steps down as political head of Tibet's exiled government to make way for a democratically elected leader. Today: Monastic Life He maintains a rigorous monastic life, rising before dawn for prayers. "I always consider myself as a simple Buddhist monk," he writes on his website. "I feel that is the real me."
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First Post
02-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
The defining moments in the life of the Dalai Lama as he turns 90
Lhamo Thondup was only two when he was recognised as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. Today, as he nears his 90th birthday, we look at his journey, from fleeing to India to winning the Peace Nobel read more Dalai Lama is set to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 6. File image/AP The Dalai Lama is set to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 6 (Sunday). Buddhist followers consider him to be the 14th reincarnation of the first spiritual leader, Avalokiteshvara, who was born in 1391. The Tibetan spiritual leader was recognised as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the age of two and formally enthroned in 1940. A decade on China took control of the region and the Dalai Lama fled to India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even after years of exile from Tibet, he has been championing greater autonomy for Tibet. He supports the 'Middle Way', which seeks meaningful autonomy within the People's Republic of China. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his peaceful efforts. The Dalai Lama recently reaffirmed the continuation of his institution after his passing, explicitly stating that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his official office, possesses the authority to recognise his future reincarnation. This declaration sends a clear message to China, which claims the right to control the succession. As his 90th birthday approaches and questions surrounding his succession have drawn global attention, here are some key dates in the life of the leader. 1935: Born to a farming family Lhamo Thondup was born to a farming family in the rural village of Taktser on July 6, 1935, more than a decade before the Communist Party established the People's Republic of China. Situated on a high-altitude plateau, dubbed by some the 'roof of the world', Tibet has alternated over the centuries between independence and control by China. At the time, Tibet was largely autonomous, after shaking off both the grip of China's Qing dynasty and a British invasion. 1937: The 14th reincarnation He was just two when Buddhist monks in disguise arrived at his family home searching for the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, who had died four years earlier. The monks are convinced they have found the right boy when he asked for prayer beads that had belonged to his predecessor. In 1940, he was enthroned as Tibet's leader, taking the monastic name Tenzin Gyatso. 1950: China takes control The Chinese army poured into Tibet, crushing a ramshackle resistance. Beijing said it 'peacefully liberated' the rugged plateau. 1954: Meets Mao He visited Beijing and met Mao Zedong, who he said told him that 'religion is poison'. Visitors look at a 1955 photograph showing Chairman Mao Zedong (third left) and former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai (left) sitting with the 14th Dalai Lama (fourth left) and the 10th Panchen Erdeni (second left), on display at an exhibition in Beijing, March 18, 2009. Reuters 1959: Flees to India The Dalai Lama fled Lhasa after China deployed troops in the region to crush a popular uprising. Too sick to ride a horse, he crossed the snowy mountain passes into India on the back of a dzomo, a cow-yak hybrid. India allowed the establishment of a Tibetan government-in-exile in its northern town of Dharamsala. Beijing called him a 'wolf in monk's robes'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 1967: Launches global campaign The leader visited Japan and Thailand, the first stops on a globetrotting campaign to promote his cause, hobnobbing with world leaders and Hollywood stars. China's Cultural Revolution of 1966-76 devastated Tibet. 1988: 'Middle Way' The Dalai Lama abandoned demands for Tibetan independence, advocating instead for the 'Middle Way' approach for greater autonomy. China continued to call him a separatist. 1989: Nobel Peace Prize He received the Nobel Peace Prize for advocating solutions based 'upon tolerance and mutual respect'. Beijing, which months earlier had crushed large-scale demonstrations in Lhasa calling for independence, condemned the award as 'preposterous'. The Dalai Lama receives his 1989 Nobel Peace Prize from Nobel Committee Chairman Egil Aarvik at Oslo University on December 10, 1989. Reuters 2011: Political retirement He stepped down as political head of Tibet's exiled government to make way for a democratically elected leader. Today: Monastic life He maintains a rigorous monastic life, rising before dawn for prayers. 'I always consider myself a simple Buddhist monk,' he wrote on his website. 'I feel that is the real me.' With inputs from AFP
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Himachal: No solution without direct talks with China, says Tibetan leader
The political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Sikyong Penpa Tsering, while acknowledging the existence of back-channel communications with the People's Republic of China (PRC), said that no solution can be achieved without direct engagement with the Chinese government. He asserted that regardless of whether the political stance is the middle way or complete independence, no solution can be achieved without direct engagement with the Chinese government. Tsering, who is in Japan along with other exile-government leaders, said this while addressing the Tibetan community in Tokyo. The last round of dialogue between Chinese officials and envoys of the Dalai Lama took place in China in January 2010. The talks have not resumed since. There have been two series of dialogues so far (1979-1989 and 2022-2010). Notably, Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, has said in his new book that the Chinese leadership 'lacked courage and political will' to resolve the Tibet issue. During his address in Tokyo, Penpa Tsering, outlined the political efforts of the Tibetan leadership to resolve the long-standing Tibet–China conflict. 'It is important to demonstrate and prove to the international community that Tibet was historically an independent nation to legitimise the Tibetan struggle and reinforce the Central Tibetan Administration's Middle Way Approach,' the Tibetan leader said. Rather than seeking independence, the Middle Way advocates for genuine autonomy for Tibetans, enabling them to preserve their language, religion, culture, and environment. Sikyong also said that, because of the tireless efforts of the 14th Dalai Lama, the Tibetan freedom movement has gained global recognition. He also urged Tibetans in exile to continue advocacy and lobbying efforts in their host countries, encouraging Japanese Tibetans to contribute actively and enhance solidarity for the cause in Japan. The 14th Dalai Lama in his recent book 'Voice for the Voiceless' says, 'My stance on how best to resolve the issue of Tibet has been consistent since the discussions with Beijing began in 1979. I have called this the Middle Way Approach. At the core of this approach was the search for a robust framework that would offer the ability for the Tibetans to continue to survive as a distinct people with dignity, with their unique language, culture, ecology and Buddhist faith.'
