Institution of Tibetan spiritual leader will continue: Dalai Lama

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has affirmed that the institution of the Tibetan spiritual leader will continue, revealing that “some kind of framework” is being considered to ensure its future continuity.

It was Dalai Lama’s first public address on his 90th birthday celebrations, which began at Tsuglhakhang, the main temple in McLeodganj on Monday.

While the Dalai Lama’s birthday is marked on July 6 as per the Gregorian calendar, it falls today—June 30—according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, which celebrates his birth on the 5th day of the 5th month.

The inaugural event was organised by natives of Dhomey province (also known as Amdo), one of Tibet’s three traditional regions and the birthplace of the Dalai Lama.

In the much-awaited public address, he said, “There will be some kind of framework within which we can talk about the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lamas”.

However, it was not clear from Dalai Lama’s brief address whether the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue following the old procedures of reincarnation. He only said his successor will be born outside of China in a “free world”.

“On this 90th birthday, though I am 90 years old, I am physically very healthy. Throughout all these years, for the good of the Tibetans, Dharma and other people and I have had a great relationship with people around the world… It has been really fruitful for me so far in my life,” said the spiritual leader.

He said, “I was born in Dhomey and moved to Lhasa where I was able to study. As I already said, I think I have been able to serve the Dharma and sentient beings and I am determined to continue to do so.”

The birthday celebrations will continue for a week and will be managed by the Central Tibetan Administration, although today’s function was privately organised by the Dhomey community. He was presented with a Tibetan birthday cake by the Dhomey community.

More than 100 Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders were likely to attend the week-long birthday celebrations.

Earlier in the morning, Dalai Lama arrived at the temple in a golf cart, greeted by long queues of devotees who had gathered to offer birthday wishes. The temple was packed as he reached the holy shrine.

Artistes performed traditional dances and songs, while prayers were offered for the Dalai Lama’s long life.

Himachal Tribune