Thousands of ecstatic Tibetan exiles quite literally poured out from their homes to join a common celebration to mark the Dalai Lama’s 75th birthday in McLeodganj, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile since 1960.
Addressing the throng at the Tsuglagkhang Temple located adjacent to his residential quarters, the aging monk — the second longest serving in the succession of 14 Dalai Lamas — began with the grim reminder that his compatriots living in the Tibetan Homeland were not permitted to observe the occasion.
“Tibetans in Tibet have a great desire to celebrate my birthday but they are not allowed to,” he said to them in an evident reference to the iron-fisted restrictions that the Chinese government continues to impose across the Himalayan territory it forcibly annexed in 1959.
But then equally paternal in the concern for his soaked followers who braved pouring rain to listen to their beloved spiritual and political leader in McLeodganj, the Dalai Lama typically cautioned them. “Be careful of the weather. Don’t get ill,” he said eliciting immediate cheer from the devoted multitude huddled together under a riot of multi-coloured umbrellas and raincoats.
Also advising them to show compassion at all times he said, “Even at this age, I find time for my Buddhist studies that give me strength, peace, happiness and good health.”
Reflecting on his life and work since his dramatic flight from Lhasa over five decades ago, the Dalai Lama looked around the numerous banners and placards — many with nostalgic images of the journey down the years — and said, “When I see those pictures and see the development, I know my life has not been wasted.”
The Dalai Lama, who advocates a middle path or “meaningful autonomy for Tibet under Chinese rule” and has tirelessly engaged with China towards this goal, is viewed by the majority of his flock as essential to keeping the global spotlight on the Tibetan issue.
But his often precarious health compounded by the need for him to travel extensively, have many Tibetans, particularly the older generation, very concerned.
They believe his demise, without a competent successor in place, could scatter the movement and render Tibet an impossible destination for the exiles.
So even though he has himself questioned the continuing relevance of the very institution of the Dalai Lama and has suggested the government-in-exile was perhaps competent enough, many believe the Tibetan freedom movement must have a central figure to guide it.
Some exiles are already beginning to view 26-year-old Ugyen Trinley Dorji, the 17th Karmapa, who also escaped the Chinese under a decade ago, as a possible successor.
The younger monk, seated next to the Dalai Lama throughout this morning’s celebrations, triggered a fresh round of excited whispers in McLeodganj.