It’s not every day that the world pauses to honor a man whose message is simple but powerful: compassion, peace of mind, and a good heart.
That’s exactly what happened on Sunday, as thousands of followers—alongside Hollywood legend Richard Gere—gathered in India to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama.
Held in Dharamshala, the quiet mountain town that has long served as a spiritual refuge, the celebration was both joyful and reflective.
Even in the face of global political tension, the event reminded many of the enduring influence of one man’s spiritual leadership.
A Quiet Hero Turns 90 With a Smile and a Slice of Cake
The Dalai Lama, dressed in his familiar saffron robes and signature yellow shawl, moved slowly with the help of two monks but flashed his well-known, radiant smile throughout.
As he stood before the crowd, he reminded them he was just “a simple Buddhist monk” who typically avoids birthday fuss.
But this was no ordinary birthday. The day marked 90 years of a life spent spreading peace, encouraging compassion, and navigating his people through exile.
In his birthday message, he urged followers to “cultivate peace of mind and compassion” and to extend kindness not just to loved ones, but to everyone.
Richard Gere’s Devotion Shines Through
Among the thousands present was actor Richard Gere, now 75, who’s been a practicing Buddhist since 1978 and has long considered the Dalai Lama a dear friend.
Gere was seen gently kissing the spiritual leader’s hand—a gesture filled with reverence and admiration.
Speaking at the event, Gere called it a “joyous, joyous day” and praised the Dalai Lama’s extraordinary life.
His relationship with Dharamshala runs deep—he’s been visiting the hilltop town for decades and remains a strong advocate for Tibetan independence.
A Voice That Cost Him in Hollywood
Gere’s activism hasn’t come without personal cost.
His outspoken support for Tibet and criticism of China has made him a persona non grata in Chinese markets—something Hollywood studios have taken seriously.
“There are definitely movies I can’t be in because the Chinese will say, ‘Not with him,’” he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2017.
In fact, he was even banned from the Oscars back in 1993 after publicly denouncing China’s human rights abuses during a live speech.
Still, he doesn’t regret any of it. “I didn’t have to put on a tuxedo again,” he joked. “I was fine with that.”
Celebrating in the Shadow of Political Tension
The joyous celebrations came with an undercurrent of concern.
China has long tried to assert control over Tibet and insists it will choose the next Dalai Lama when the time comes.
This could set up a political and spiritual standoff, with one successor likely appointed by Beijing, and another by the Dalai Lama’s followers in exile—most of whom are based in India.
Tibetans around the world worry this could fracture the faith and create two rival leaders in the years ahead.
A Promise for the Future of Tibetan Buddhism
Still, the Dalai Lama used the moment to offer reassurance.
He told followers that the spiritual institution would carry on after his passing.
Though he didn’t go into details about a successor, his message was clear: the work of peace and compassion will not end with him.
Reflecting on his life, he said in Tibetan, “I’m now 90 and… when I reflect on my life, I see that I have not wasted my life at all.”
He added, “I would be able to die very peacefully.”
Cake, Chanting, and Compassion
The ceremony concluded in a way that blended the sacred with the sweet—chanting monks, red robes fluttering in the breeze, and the Dalai Lama himself cutting a slice of birthday cake while thousands joined in singing “Happy Birthday.”
For many, it wasn’t just a birthday—it was a moment to reflect on the strength of a man who, for more than half a century, has inspired millions by simply being true to himself: a monk, a teacher, and a quiet warrior for peace.