‘I’ll keep promoting human values’: At 90, Dalai Lama doubles down on compassion while China looms amid succession storm

On the cusp of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama didn’t call for gifts or fanfare. Instead, he offered a reminder. “I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organising events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.”

He spoke these words from McLeodganj, the hill town that’s been his refuge since 1959. His followers listened in temples, monasteries, online, wherever they could find him.

Prayers, prophecies and a wish for 40 more years

On Saturday, speaking at Tsuglagkhang, his main temple in McLeodganj, he told the gathering he sees more years ahead.

"Looking at the many prophecies, I feel I have blessings of the Avalokiteshvara. I have done my best so far. I hope to still live for 30-40 years more. Your prayers have borne fruit so far," he said.

Despite life in exile, he sees purpose in it. "Though we have lost our country and we are living in exile in India, that's where I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot. Those living here in Dharamshala. I intend to benefit and serve beings as much as I can."

A birthday without the fuss

If you ask him, he is not one for grand parties. Posting on X on the eve of his birthday, he wrote, "I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organising events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts."

And then, a simple call to action, "While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place."

His commitments stay the same

Even at 90, the core of his life’s work stands unchanged.

"As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion."

He credits his strength to teachings from the Buddha and Indian masters like Shantideva, quoting him word for word:

"As long as space endures,
As long as sentient being remain,
Until then, may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world."

A life rooted in exile

Born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 in a small village in Tibet, recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at two, Tenzin Gyatso was thrust into leadership early. By 15, he faced the Chinese invasion. By 24, he fled Tibet. Since then, he’s been the living symbol of a people in exile — and an idea that refuses to die.

Despite losing his homeland, he says, “We have lost our country and we are living in exile in India, that’s where I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot.”

The heart of the matter

At a small monastery near Shimla, a young monk, Nawang Tashi Rapten — recognised as the reincarnation of Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche — cut a cake and led prayers for the Dalai Lama’s long life. It was a simple scene, but heavy with meaning: the lineage must go on.

Monk Kunga Lama summed it up. “As a Tibetan Buddhist, I would say this celebration of the birthday of the Dalai Lama is not only a celebration, but also he is the identity of the Tibetan community, Tibetan unity, monks, and the leader of the whole culture of peace and compassion.”

Dalai Lama's succession: Who decides?

It’s not all peaceful prayers and butter lamps, though. His age-old struggle with China still shadows these celebrations. Beijing insists it alone must approve the next Dalai Lama. The 14th rejects this flatly. He has made it clear: the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the non-profit he founded, will decide who follows him.

Their foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has said the selection must follow a process endorsed by Beijing, warning India to handle Tibet-related matters with caution.

India’s government backs him. “The decision on the next Dalai Lama lies solely with the current Dalai Lama and the religious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism,” said Minister Kiren Rijiju. China, predictably, bristled, warning India to tread carefully.

Despite age and politics, the Dalai Lama remains unbowed. He hopes for 40 more years to keep serving. Celebrations have unfolded across India’s Tibetan settlements, with prayers not just for his health but for those suffering elsewhere from flooding in Himachal to conflict far beyond.

He signs off his birthday message simply, "Thank you for using the opportunity of my birthday to cultivate peace of mind and compassion. Tashi Deleg and with prayers, Dalai Lama."