Episodes

  • Dalai Lama at 90: Celebrating a Legacy of Compassion, Harmony, and Tibetan Identity

    Dalai Lama at 90: Celebrating a Legacy of Compassion, Harmony, and Tibetan Identity
    Nov 18 2025
    Dalai Lama BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    The Dalai Lama has just marked one of the most significant milestones of his life and Tibetan history this week as more than six thousand people gathered at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of his assumption of the spiritual and temporal leadership of Tibet. According to his official office, the ceremony on November 17, 2025, was emotional and grand, with school alumni, Tibetan officials, and international diplomats including Czech Ambassador Dr. Eliska Zigova in attendance. The event also featured the launch of a new book titled Tibet's History and the Legacy of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, underscoring his enduring impact as both a national and spiritual symbol. The celebration tied into the ongoing "Year of Compassion," which marks the Dalai Lama's ninetieth year and highlighted his lifelong commitment to human values, religious harmony, and global peace, as expressed by numerous speakers who praised his contributions to education and the exile community reported on the Dalai Lama's official site and commemorated by the Central Tibetan Administration.

    On a related note, Tibetan social media has been abuzz with images and video clips capturing both the anniversary festivities and a recent long-life prayer ceremony in his honor. Instagram and official news accounts posted heartfelt tributes, with hashtags like #yearofcompassion, #90thbirthday, and #compassionrevolution trending among supporters and the Tibetan diaspora. These posts reflect a surge in global goodwill and interest, possibly amplified by shifting leadership dynamics in Ireland, as just days earlier the Dalai Lama sent a personal congratulatory message to the newly elected Irish President Catherine Connolly, lauding her public service and upholding his theme of female empowerment in global politics.

    Earlier in the week, he also addressed a gathering of devotees from Arunachal Pradesh, acknowledging prayers and sharing stories of his journey from Tibet to India, further endearing himself to grassroots supporters across the border. Meanwhile, the Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration, Penpa Tsering, used multiple public events in Europe—including a Czech gala celebrating the parallel anniversaries of the Dalai Lama and late Czech President Vaclav Havel—to underscore continuing human rights struggles inside Tibet, the global campaign for religious freedom, and the quest to preserve Tibetan identity. According to WBUR and NPR, the Tibetan exile capital in Dharamshala remains a vital but evolving hub as new generations adapt, yet the Dalai Lama’s narrative remains the axis around which much of the exiled nation’s hope and global advocacy spins.

    No confirmed reports of health issues or dramatic political statements have surfaced in the past few days, and his public appearances have been marked by a focus on gratitude, legacy, and the ongoing struggle for Tibetan rights. Speculation about succession and future leadership remains in the background but has not dominated headlines this week.

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    4 mins
  • Dalai Lama at 90: Global Diplomacy, Spiritual Guidance, and Tibetan Advocacy

    Dalai Lama at 90: Global Diplomacy, Spiritual Guidance, and Tibetan Advocacy
    Nov 15 2025
    Dalai Lama BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been quite active this past week, marking what appears to be a significant period of public engagement and international outreach. On Tuesday of this week, the Tibetan spiritual leader attended a long life prayer ceremony organized by All Membra Students Union and youth groups from Munay. During the gathering, he shared reflections on his journey from Tibet to India and expressed his gratitude to the local community. He also granted oral transmissions of mantras and received a thanksgiving mandala offered in his honor.

    The Dalai Lama has been focused on international diplomacy as well. Following Catherine Connolly's swearing-in as President of Ireland, he penned a personal letter congratulating her on her election. In the correspondence, he praised her decades of public service and expressed particular enthusiasm about Ireland electing another woman president, noting that increased female leadership could foster a more compassionate and peaceful world.

    Meanwhile, representatives from his administration have been actively promoting Tibetan causes across Europe. Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressed the International Religious Freedom Alliance in Prague, where he highlighted religious freedom restrictions in Tibet under Chinese rule. This address coincided with a remarkable gala evening titled "Dalai Lama 90, Havel 89," celebrating the spiritual leader's ninetieth birthday alongside the legacy of former Czech President Václav Havel. Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longtime Tibet supporter, sent an exclusive video message thanking the Czech Republic for its solidarity with Tibetan people.

    In India, the Dalai Lama has maintained his local commitments. He received devotees from Mon Tawang who offered prayers for his long life, and he granted personal audiences to Tibetan settlement officers from India and Bhutan attending the sixteenth Administrative Conference in Dharamshala. The conference brought together thirty-five settlement officers and agriculture extension representatives to discuss community welfare and cultural preservation.

    Notably, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to conduct public teachings at his Main Temple on November seventeenth, continuing his regular religious instruction. Throughout this period, representatives from his office have engaged in advocacy efforts across Slovakia, Austria, and other European nations, strengthening international support for Tibetan rights and discussing his reincarnation and the geopolitical significance of the Tibetan plateau with government officials and lawmakers.

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    3 mins
  • Dalai Lama at 90: Succession Debate, Shifting Diaspora, and Panchen Lama's Plight

    Dalai Lama at 90: Succession Debate, Shifting Diaspora, and Panchen Lama's Plight
    Nov 11 2025
    Dalai Lama BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    The Dalai Lama, now ninety years old, continues to command headlines and international attention with activities and events that resonate far beyond the Tibetan community. Over the last several days, his public visibility has included teaching locally at the Tushita Meditation Centre, offering an introduction to Buddhism on November 17, as reported by Tushita Meditation Centre. On November 7, the Dalai Lama granted a special audience to devotee groups and international Buddhist associations, including visitors from Germany and Nepal, with images and a short video published by the Office of the Dalai Lama and covered by regional Tibetan media.

    In discussions and analysis circling internationally, succession remains a lightning rod issue. Reports from the European Times and IANS stress that India’s role remains one of protector rather than arbiter in the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama, with analysts highlighting how India’s democratic ethos and religious freedoms contrast sharply with Beijing’s campaign to exert political control over the succession. This question, simmering for years, gained more urgency as the Tibetan government-in-exile’s president Penpa Tsering, during his recent US tour, announced a forthcoming global conference to directly contest China’s asserted authority over the “Golden Urn” selection system. The conference aims to rally historians and legal scholars to reaffirm that succession is a purely spiritual matter for Tibetans themselves, not a procedural issue for Beijing.

    Meanwhile, as noted by NPR and local Tibetan sources, Dharamshala—the de facto Tibetan capital in exile—is witnessing demographic and cultural shifts. The school-aged population is shrinking as more Tibetan families choose to migrate abroad, diluting the stronghold of traditional language and monastic culture established by the Dalai Lama in 1960. Former Central Tibetan Administration president Lobsang Sangay emphasized in interviews that maintaining the community’s global presence is critical as uncertainty clouds the future leadership transition.

    On the social media and international relations front, Arunachal Pradesh is abuzz with anticipation for December’s 6th Dalai Lama global conference, which state leaders are touting as a pivotal celebration of Tawang’s heritage and Buddhist scholarship—a move with geopolitical undertones given Tawang’s role in Tibetan historical identity and the reincarnation debate. In the UK, Professor Robert Thurman paid public tribute to the Dalai Lama’s enduring influence at a parliamentary event, mixing scholarship and celebrity reverence.

    In a somber but significant development, the thirty-year anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s disappearance saw the National Endowment for Democracy award its highest honor, the Democracy Service Medal, posthumously to the 11th Panchen Lama—a story rooted in the Dalai Lama’s recognition of the boy in 1995 and China’s subsequent abduction, a stark reminder of what’s at stake for Tibetan spiritual sovereignty and the succession’s global ramifications. The Dalai Lama himself sent a letter of recognition, underscoring unity and the intertwined futures of Tibet’s two most sacred lineages. No major personal controversies have emerged in the latest period—attention remains tightly focused on his legacy, the succession question, and the shifting resilience of Tibet’s diasporic identity.

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    4 mins
  • Dalai Lama at 90: Global Impact, Succession Battles, and Enduring Legacy

    Dalai Lama at 90: Global Impact, Succession Battles, and Enduring Legacy
    Nov 8 2025
    Dalai Lama BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    The Dalai Lama has turned 90 this year and even as age prompts questions about his succession, his influence remains a major global presence. According to Tibet TV and multiple Tibetan diaspora media, this milestone year has inspired widespread tributes and special events, including Martin Scorsese introducing a 35mm screening of his film Kundun at the Tribeca Festival in honor of His Holiness's birthday. Professor Robert Thurman paid tribute to the Dalai Lama in the UK Parliament, spotlighting the continuing respect and awareness his message draws from international leaders and academics.

    There’s renewed attention on Tibetan succession politics. The National Endowment for Democracy awarded the 2025 Democracy Service Medal to the 11th Panchen Lama, who was recognized by the Dalai Lama as the second-highest lama in Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama himself sent a letter recognizing this honor. The event, as reported by the National Endowment for Democracy, underscores the stakes surrounding China’s interference in Tibetan religious affairs, as the Panchen Lama’s fate remains unresolved 30 years after his abduction. The ongoing battle over who will recognize and enthrone the next Dalai Lama is highlighted again, with coverage from the European Times and IANS emphasizing India’s central role as guardian of Tibetan spiritual sovereignty while China seeks to dictate the process. Notably, a current in-depth report argues that a Dalai Lama born and nurtured in India would embody both Tibetan tradition and the moral legacy of figures like Gandhi, making India the new crucible of global Buddhist conscience.

    On the community side, commemorations and cultural gatherings have proliferated, from sand mandala installations in New York to ongoing long life prayers for the Dalai Lama every Sunday all summer, reported by regional Tibetan associations. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh in India will soon host the 6th Dalai Lama global conference, a landmark event hailed by its state leadership as a new chapter in international Buddhist cultural recognition. The Dalai Lama also continues teaching, with an upcoming local session scheduled for November 17 at the Tushita Meditation Centre, eagerly anticipated by spiritual practitioners.

    Social media has been peppered with event announcements, conference news, and birthday celebrations, reflecting the Dalai Lama’s enduring status as a linchpin of Tibetan identity and a touchstone for international human rights and spiritual discourse. Although he appears less in spontaneous public outings, each planned appearance and letter is met with global resonance, making his presence—both in person and symbol—impossible to ignore.

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    3 mins
  • Dalai Lama at 90: Global Reverence, Reincarnation Controversy, and Tibetan Resolve

    Dalai Lama at 90: Global Reverence, Reincarnation Controversy, and Tibetan Resolve
    Nov 4 2025
    Dalai Lama BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    In the past week, the Dalai Lama’s life and the Tibetan cause have resonated across the globe, reflecting both enduring reverence and intensifying political intrigue. As the Dalai Lama marked his 90th birthday, celebrations blossomed from Barcelona’s XIII Human Rights Tibet Festival, which spotlighted his legacy as a “Year of Compassion,” to a much-anticipated gala in Prague. According to Prague Daily News, “Dalai Lama 90, Havel 89” at the Divadlo na Vinohradech will unite the Czech elite, human rights advocates, and music stars, all under the patronage of President Petr Pavel. While His Holiness will not be present in person, his spirit will be felt through speeches, books, and art, commemorating friendship, freedom, and the bond he shared with Václav Havel.

    Celebrations aside, the political chess match over the Dalai Lama’s succession has escalated sharply in recent days. TibetanReview.net and Sentinel Assam recount how Penpa Tsering, president of the Central Tibetan Administration, chose the high-profile setting of Washington, DC’s National Press Club to publicly challenge Beijing. He dismissed China’s so-called “golden urn decree,” a relic from 1793 used by Beijing to claim the right to select the next Dalai Lama, as “distorted history” and questioned why the Chinese government, avowedly atheist, insists on dictating reincarnation. Tsering bluntly suggested that if they were sincere, they would start by finding Mao Zedong’s rebirth. He reaffirmed the Tibetan stance that only the Dalai Lama, through the Gaden Phodrang Trust he founded, can determine his own reincarnation, bringing a sense of “clarity and continuity” to Tibetans worldwide. This assertiveness prompted headlines like “Tibetan leader rebukes China's bid to control Dalai Lama succession" from ANI and similar stories echoed across Indian and global outlets.

    On the spiritual front, international Buddhist communities continue to offer fervent long-life prayers. Public events such as the upcoming “Introduction to Buddhism” teachings at Tushita Meditation Centre and ceremonies by the Dhanglob community garner heartfelt social media tributes, emphasizing the Dalai Lama’s intention to “live more than 130 years,” as he has often quoted at gatherings.

    Meanwhile, the academic world isn’t far behind: Emily Bender’s participation in the Mind & Life Dialogue at the Dalai Lama Library in Dharamsala signals ongoing synergy between scholars and the Tibetan leader's intellectual legacy, as reported by the University of Washington.

    Across social media and news cycles, one thread is clear—whether celebrated as a spiritual beacon or positioned at the center of global geopolitical drama, the Dalai Lama continues to animate fierce admiration, spark international debate, and embody the struggle for Tibetan self-determination.

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    3 mins
  • Dalai Lama at 90: A Living Legacy of Compassion, Resilience, and Global Reverence

    Dalai Lama at 90: A Living Legacy of Compassion, Resilience, and Global Reverence
    Nov 1 2025
    Dalai Lama BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    This week has seen a surge of admiration, devotion, and reflection around the Dalai Lama, who continues to create headlines as he approaches his 90th birthday, drawing global attention and reverence. On October 31st, hundreds of members of the Dhanglob community orchestrated an elaborate long-life prayer ceremony for the Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang, the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeodganj. The gathering, featuring Tashi Shölpa dancers and celebratory songs by women in traditional attire, welcomed the Dalai Lama in a vibrant autumn setting. Senior abbots and the young reincarnation of Lhagyala Rinpoché attended the longevity ritual, which was marked by symbolic gestures such as waving the Long-Life Arrow and offering ritual cakes and mandalas. A contemporary musical performance and the recitation of iconic prayers—the Song of Immortality and Words of Truth—deepened the ceremony’s spiritual atmosphere. The Dalai Lama responded by blessing the devoted participants and voicing gratitude for their dedication, a gesture resonating well beyond the temple, as described by The Tribune and dalailama.com.

    Meanwhile, anticipation is building around his looming 90th birthday, with cultural tributes setting the stage across continents. In Prague, “Dalai Lama 90, Havel 89” will unfold on November 11, celebrating freedom, compassion, and the profound friendship between the Dalai Lama and the late Václav Havel. Though he will not attend in person, his presence will be felt through words and video, with dignitaries like President Petr Pavel and Sikyong Penpa Tsering confirming their attendance. Proceeds from the event will support efforts for human rights and cultural exchange, with “The Dalai Lama & Havel – Warriors for Truth & Love” book debuting as a highlight, per Prague Daily News.

    In Japan, delegations from Hokkaido Shimizu Town honored the Dalai Lama with offerings from their first-fruits harvest, a gesture of longevity and unity that further marked the birthday’s significance, Tibet.net reports. Across social media, there has been a flurry of well-wishes, prayer gatherings, and artistic tributes echoing from Tibetan communities in New York, New Jersey, Barcelona, and beyond. The Dalai Lama’s teachings remain at the center of public life; the documentary “Wisdom of Happiness” is currently captivating audiences, blending his candid advice on peace, compassion, and the challenges facing the world today, as featured at screenings in Martha’s Vineyard and soon at Boulder’s Dairy Arts Center.

    Business activity has also picked up around the Dalai Lama Fellowship, which is inviting emerging changemakers to apply for its 2026 cohort, fostering contemplative leadership rooted in his legacy. The ongoing debate over the future of his reincarnation also continues to simmer. According to Phayul, the Dalai Lama has reaffirmed the Gaden Phodrang Trust's role in selecting his successor, ensuring spiritual authenticity and resisting external political pressures—an issue highlighted in philosophical commentary by European Times.

    Overall, the Dalai Lama’s recent appearances and tributes reveal a living legacy: vibrant, contested, and cherished. No credible controversies have surfaced in the past few days, with coverage focused solidly on celebration and continuity. Unconfirmed reports on his health or political negotiations have not gained traction in reputable outlets, leaving the Dalai Lama’s public narrative dominated by hope, gratitude, and global respect.

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    4 mins
  • Dalai Lama: Global Icon, Moral Compass, and Flashpoint in Tibet

    Dalai Lama: Global Icon, Moral Compass, and Flashpoint in Tibet
    Oct 28 2025
    Dalai Lama BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    Barely a week goes by without the Dalai Lama landing in the headlines and this cycle has been especially notable. The most high-profile move came as he personally wrote to Japan’s newly sworn-in first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, offering his congratulations and lauding her for breaking barriers. According to The Tibet Post and other Tibetan news outlets, the Dalai Lama praised Japan’s leadership in global nuclear disarmament, and, in a characteristic touch, suggested that more women in power could make the world more compassionate—a consistent theme from a leader whose own values were shaped by a loving mother. This diplomatic move generated considerable coverage, with news platforms spotlighting him as a global moral authority even as he remains in exile.

    While he’s not jet-setting, he’s hosting—and his residence in Dharamsala was the center of intellectual traffic last week. Over 120 academics, spiritual practitioners, and scientists gathered for the 39th Mind and Life Dialogue, exploring the philosophy of mind, the promises and dangers of artificial intelligence, and Buddhist ethical perspectives. In deeply reported dialogues, he described himself as a “scientist in Buddhist robes,” emphasizing his enduring commitment to rational inquiry and compassion—a marriage of spirituality and empiricism that has endeared him to secular intellectuals and made his thoughts especially salient for the next generation.

    Social media continues to light up with anniversary hashtags, thanks to celebrations of the 18th anniversary of his Congressional Gold Medal. Tibetan communities in Massachusetts, India, and Nepal marked the occasion with dances, exhibitions, and even charity events for underprivileged children—a poignant reminder of the continued diaspora reality and his ongoing symbolic leadership well beyond the religious sphere.

    In cultural news, a special screening of the Dalai Lama documentary Wisdom of Happiness was held at Rome’s Cinema Barberini, and in Bhandara and at the Norling Festival, photo exhibitions showcased his life’s journey and humanitarian legacy. These public events underscore his resonance as both a living moral icon and historical subject.

    However, the reverence is not universal. Multiple Tibetan and exile news reports detail that, just last week, Chinese authorities conducted raids at Labrang Tashi Khyil Monastery and surrounding homes in Amdo, searching for and confiscating photographs of the Dalai Lama—a stark illustration that his image remains politically potent and fiercely contested inside Tibet.

    No verified major health or succession news has broken in the last few days, and appearances have centered around teachings and ceremonial occasions in Dharamsala as detailed on his official website. Speculation and rumors circulate on Tibetan forums about his increasing engagement with AI and technology ethics, but so far, all documented commentary remains firmly within the realm of public dialogue and interfaith conferences.

    Capturing the persistent tension between his broad-based international reverence and direct suppression of even his photograph in places like Amdo, the Dalai Lama’s week is a study in contrasts—celebrated in exile, still a flashpoint inside Tibet, and always, in his words, working for dialogue and compassion on the world’s biggest stages.

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    4 mins
  • Dalai Lama: AI Ethics, Japan's New PM, and Tibetan Rights Advocacy

    Dalai Lama: AI Ethics, Japan's New PM, and Tibetan Rights Advocacy
    Oct 25 2025
    Dalai Lama BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

    In recent days, the Dalai Lama has been in the spotlight for several significant events. He congratulated Japan's newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, lauding her decades of public service and expressing hope that Japan will continue its efforts in global peace and nuclear disarmament. The Dalai Lama also highlighted the importance of women in leadership, noting that they often bring a more compassionate and sensitive approach to governance.

    This week, the Dalai Lama hosted the 39th Mind & Life Dialogue in Dharamsala, focusing on artificial intelligence, ethics, and its potential impacts on society. Over 120 scholars, scientists, and experts attended the event, which aimed to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science. The Dalai Lama emphasized the importance of infusing AI with ethical values and exploring its benefits while acknowledging potential risks.

    Additionally, the European Parliament called for the unconditional release of the 11th Panchen Lama, a prominent figure in Tibetan Buddhism. This move reflects ongoing international pressure on China regarding human rights in Tibet. The Dalai Lama recently celebrated the 18th anniversary of receiving the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, a prestigious honor awarded for his contributions to peace and human rights. Celebrities and events have also featured his teachings, with a documentary titled "Wisdom of Happiness" screened in Rome, highlighting his insights on achieving inner peace.

    The Dalai Lama also met with the Indo-Tibet Friendship Society's Tawang Unit, reinforcing his commitment to peace and understanding. While these activities underscore his continued influence on global issues, they also remind us of China's ongoing oversight of Tibetan affairs, as seen in recent raids on monasteries displaying his images.

    Overall, the Dalai Lama remains a figure of global influence, emphasizing peace, compassion, and the integration of science and spirituality. His recent engagements highlight his enduring role in promoting universal values and his steadfast advocacy for Tibetan rights.

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    2 mins