Marking his 90th birthday with humility and grace, His Holiness the Dalai Lama celebrated the milestone by doing what he does best—praying for peace and encouraging compassion.
“I am just a simple Buddhist monk,” he said in a birthday message, reflecting on a life devoted to spiritual practice, human kindness, and the well-being of all. “While I don’t usually celebrate birthdays, I’m touched that this day is being used to cultivate peace of mind and compassion.”
Thousands gathered in Dharamshala, India, where the Dalai Lama has lived since fleeing Tibet in 1959, to offer long-life prayers and heartfelt wishes. Dressed in his traditional saffron and yellow robes, he smiled warmly and waved to followers as monks and nuns chanted and performed sacred dances.
The Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of the Tibetan people and promoting global values of love, tolerance, and inner peace. Despite political tensions—China continues to claim authority over the future of the spiritual leadership—the Dalai Lama reaffirmed that his office in India will be solely responsible for identifying his successor.
In a rare and poignant statement, he acknowledged the deep concern of his followers across the Himalayan region, Mongolia, and even parts of China and Russia. He assured them that the spiritual lineage would continue beyond his lifetime.
“I hope to live more than 130 years,” he told the gathered crowd with his trademark mix of sincerity and gentle humor. “But more important than a long life is living with a good heart and helping others.”
His Holiness reminded the world that while material progress is important, true happiness comes from cultivating inner peace, compassion, and a sense of shared humanity.
To learn more visit The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
