In a monumental announcement on the occasion of his 90th birthday according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has ended months of speculation and affirmed that the sacred institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after his passing. Delivered from his spiritual seat in Dharamshala, India, the revered Tibetan leader’s video message resonated far beyond the Himalayan town, with followers and observers across the world hanging onto every word.

In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, His Holiness declared.

He added that the process of selecting his reincarnation—widely anticipated due to both religious tradition and geopolitical tensions—will be solely handled by the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, the spiritual body he established in 2015.

No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter, he warned, sending a clear message to Beijing.

“No other public message from His Holiness”

At a press conference following the video, Samdhong Rinpoche, a close aide to the Dalai Lama, was asked by the BBC whether the world should expect more public messages on this deeply sensitive subject. His response was decisive:

Whenever the time comes, it will be internal and there will be no other public message from His Holiness on this matter.

This revelation, coupled with the Dalai Lama’s earlier comments in his book Voice for the Voiceless, has sparked worldwide interest. In the book, he hinted that his successor may be born outside China, a statement that appears to have now taken clearer shape.

“An earnest request” from Tibetans worldwide

Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong (President) of the Tibetan government-in-exile, shared that the global Tibetan community had made “an earnest request with single-minded devotion” for the continuation of the Dalai Lama’s spiritual leadership.

His Holiness has shown infinite compassion and finally agreed to accept our appeal on this special occasion, Tsering added, referencing the unanimous resolution passed by the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference.

Tradition vs. Politics: A Spiritual Line in the Sand

According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, a Dalai Lama is reincarnated, and spiritual authorities recognize the new child by identifying signs that indicate he harbors the soul of his predecessor. The current Tenzin Gyatso, born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935, was recognized at the age of two.

Yet, China’s position on the matter remains tense. Ahead of the announcement, Chinese state media emphasized that reincarnations should be governed by historical procedures such as the “golden urn” lot-drawing system introduced in 1792, and accused the Dalai Lama of “politicizing” the process.

The Global Times claimed, His intention remains the same — to manipulate the reincarnation process for his own purposes.

Tibetans and their allies argue the opposite—that China seeks to politically control and install a compliant successor.

A Legacy of Exile and Nonviolence

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959, after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, disguising himself as a soldier and trekking across the Himalayas. He has lived in India ever since, where he was granted asylum and has continued his spiritual mission of nonviolence and compassion. In 1989, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his peaceful efforts to preserve Tibetan identity.

Still describing himself humbly as “a simple Buddhist monk,” the Dalai Lama remains the most significant spiritual and political symbol of Tibetan Buddhism.

Today, Saturday, June 7, 2025, Muslims across Asia are celebrating Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar. The date of the celebration varies globally due to differences in moon sightings; while countries like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia observed the festival on June 6, nations including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are marking it today.

Eid al-Adha commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. In remembrance of this act of devotion, Muslims perform the ritual of Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal, and distribute the meat among family, friends, and those in need.

In Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, the celebrations began with congregational prayers at mosques and open fields. Communities gathered to perform the sacrificial rites, emphasizing the spirit of sharing and compassion.

In India, vibrant markets in cities like Hyderabad have been bustling with activity as families prepare for the festivities. The day commenced with special prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, followed by the Qurbani ritual. Traditional dishes such as biryani, kebabs, and sheer khurma are being prepared, and the meat from the sacrifices is shared with neighbors and the underprivileged, embodying the festival’s essence of generosity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation, highlighting Eid al-Adha as a festival that inspires sacrifice and unity. He emphasized the importance of coming together in harmony and reflecting on the values that the festival promotes.

As the celebrations continue, the festival serves as a reminder of the virtues of faith, obedience, and charity, bringing communities together in a shared spirit of devotion and goodwill.

On Friday, June 6, 2025, Saudi Arabia observed Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in Islam. The date was determined following the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon on May 27, marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah on May 28. Consequently, Arafat Day was commemorated on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid al-Adha on June 6.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” honors Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and obedience to Allah. According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail in submission to God’s command. However, Allah intervened and provided a ram to sacrifice instead, symbolizing divine mercy and the importance of devotion.

The day commenced with congregational prayers held at mosques and open grounds across the Kingdom, including the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Worshippers, dressed in traditional attire, gathered to perform the special Eid prayers, seeking blessings and expressing gratitude.

Following the prayers, Muslims performed the ritual of Qurbani, the sacrifice of livestock such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels. The meat from the sacrifice was distributed in three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the less fortunate, embodying the spirit of sharing and compassion.

Eid al-Adha also coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Pilgrims in Mecca engaged in the stoning of the devil ritual in Mina, symbolizing the rejection of evil and reaffirming their commitment to faith.

The Saudi government declared public holidays from June 6 to June 8, allowing citizens and residents to partake in the festivities and spend time with family and friends.

As the Kingdom celebrated Eid al-Adha, the values of sacrifice, obedience, and charity were at the forefront, reinforcing the principles that underpin the Islamic faith and fostering a sense of unity and spiritual renewal among the Muslim community.