The spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists, Dalai Lama, turned 90 on Sunday, July 6, and said he hopes to live over 130 years.
Dalai Lama/PHOTO: The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Born on July 6, 1935, the Nobel laureate is considered one of the most influential religious leaders in the world, with an audience that extends beyond Buddhism, but not Beijing, who considers him a separatist and tried to bring faith under his control, writes Reuters.
He fled Tibet in 1959, following a failed revolt against the Chinese regime, Lhamo Thondup, on his real name, has taken refuge in India and, since then, has pleaded for a peaceful “middle path” to achieve religious autonomy and freedom.
Thousands of followers from all over the world, celebrities and officials from the United States and India will participate in the celebration of his birthday in Dharamshala, the small Indian city at the foot of the Himalayas, where Dalai Lama lives.
During the festivities, which will include cultural performances and speech from the long-term follower and the Hollywood Richard Gere star, as well as the Indian federal ministers, the 14th Dalai Lama is scheduled to take a speech.
In Tibet on the occasion of the anniversary, the American actor spoke about his commitment to the Tibetan cause.
“This is a commitment that extends to several lives“Said Gere, emphasizing the idea of reincarnation, in a discussion with the Reuters Agency.
In June 2025, he confirmed that there will be a successor after his death, which will be born outside China, ending doubts about the continuation of the 600 -year -old Buddhist institution.
The Tibetan Buddhists believe that the enlightened monks reincarnate to carry on spiritual heritage. The 14th Dalai Lama will turn 90 on Sunday and said he would consult elderly monks and other people to share possible clues about where his successor, a boy or a girl could be found after his death.
He previously stated that he could reincarnate in India, where he lives in exile, near the city of Dharamshala, northern Himalayas. He was identified as the reincarnation of his predecessor when he was two years old.
