On July 6, 2025, thousands gathered in Dharamshala, India, as the Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday, capping off a week of heartfelt events. The festivities officially launched with a special “long-life prayer” ceremony, invoking blessings from classic Buddhist liturgy.
Indian PM Modi, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio—even former Presidents Obama, Clinton, and Bush sent warm regards.
International figures such as Richard Gere traveled to join the ceremonies—witnessing monks play Tibetan instruments, bagpipes, and drums in a jubilant courtyard celebration.
In his address, the Nobel laureate reflected on a life devoted to others, and he vowed to continue his four commitments: human values, interfaith harmony, ancient wisdom, and the preservation of Tibetan culture. He reaffirmed his intention to reincarnate per Buddhist tradition, explicitly stating that succession will be guided by the Tibetan exile community—not by the Chinese.
His succession plans sparked geopolitical interest: his clear stance that his sacred successor will be chosen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust and Tibetan monastics—outside China—directly challenges Beijing’s claims to authority.
