SOURCE: REUTERS
The Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday with supporters from around the world on Sunday, after earlier countering China’s insistence that it will choose his successor. The Nobel laureate is among the world’s most influential religious leaders, with a following that extends well beyond Buddhism.
But Beijing calls him a separatist and has sought to bring the faith under its control. The Dalai Lama spoke on Sunday at a temple in the small Indian hill town of Dharamshala, where he lives. “As a follower of the Buddha and as a monk, to serve people and to serve the teaching of the Buddha are my main practices”, he said.
He was flanked on the stage by western diplomats, Indian officials, and a monk who is expected to lead the search for his successor.
As well as Hollywood star Richard Gere, who said the Dalai Lama “belongs to the world”.
“We’ve never seen someone like this, who totally embodies selflessness, complete love and compassion and wisdom.”
Several leaders and officials across the globe also sent their greetings, including former U.S. presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, whose video messages were played during the event.The 14th Dalai Lama, along with hundreds of thousands of Tibetans, took shelter in India after fleeing their native Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule.He has since advocated for a peaceful “Middle Way” to seek autonomy and religious freedom for the Tibetan people.
Last week, the Dalai Lama said a non-profit institution he has set up will have the sole authority to identify his reincarnation as the next leader.
He also said that person would be born outside China.
Beijing says it has to approve the Dalai Lama’s successor, through a centuries-old ritual done in China.