Dalai Lama Turns 90, Reaffirms Reincarnation Plan, Draws Fresh Rebuke From China

Dharamsala, July 6 — The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday amid a week of festivities attended by followers, celebrities, and global leaders, even as his remarks on succession reignited tensions with China.

Thousands gathered in Dharamsala, his long-time home in exile, to honor the Nobel laureate, whose influence extends well beyond Buddhism. Among the guests were Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longtime supporter, and officials from India and the United States.

In a birthday message shared on his website, the Dalai Lama described himself as “just a simple Buddhist monk,” pledging to continue his mission of promoting human values and religious harmony.

“I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X. “He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the Dalai Lama as a global inspiration for “unity, peace, and compassion,” adding that Washington remains committed to defending Tibetans’ rights, including the freedom to choose their religious leaders without interference.

The birthday week was of particular significance for Tibetan Buddhists, as the Dalai Lama had previously hinted he might discuss plans for his succession at this milestone.

Addressing followers on Wednesday, he reassured them of his intention to reincarnate as the leader of the faith after his death. He stated that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his non-profit institution, holds exclusive authority to recognize his successor—a stance directly at odds with Beijing’s claims that it alone has the right to approve the next Dalai Lama.

China has long labeled the 14th Dalai Lama a separatist, denouncing his “Middle Way” approach, which seeks genuine autonomy rather than independence for Tibet. The United States has repeatedly urged Beijing to cease what it calls interference in Tibetan religious affairs.

The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, remains a towering figure advocating for peace and religious freedom. Despite advancing age and health challenges, he told followers he hopes to live beyond 130 years.