On Sunday, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, the northern Indian town where he has lived in exile for many years. The festivities attracted thousands of Tibetan Buddhists, as well as celebrities and officials from the United States and India. The occasion also sparked a politically sensitive debate about his succession.
During his birthday, the Dalai Lama shared his message in which he described himself as “just a simple Buddhist monk” and emphasized his commitment to promoting peaceful values and Tibetan culture. He also announced that he will choose a successor upon his death, who may be of any gender and nationality. His statement puts to rest speculation about him being the last person to hold the role in a tradition that spans 600 years.
The Dalai Lama expressed hope to live for another 30 to 40 years. On Sunday, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Dalai Lama for his message of love, compassion, and moral discipline, and wished him good health and a long life.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/dalai-lama-celebrates-90th-birthday-amid-succession-debate/a-73172691?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
