The Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, has expressed his hope to live beyond the age of 130. This statement comes shortly after he outlined his succession plans, confirming his intention to reincarnate after his passing.
The Dalai Lama, celebrating his 90th birthday on Sunday, made these remarks during a ceremony organized by his devotees, who offered prayers for his continued well-being and longevity.
“I have been able to serve the Buddha dharma and the beings of Tibet so far quite well, and I hope to live over 130 years,” the Dalai Lama told thousands of followers who had gathered on Saturday in India’s northern town of Dharamshala.
Dharamshala has served as the Dalai Lama’s home in exile since 1959, following his escape from Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
From this base, he has championed Tibet’s pursuit of greater autonomy under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party and has united Tibetans both within and outside of China.
On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama affirmed his intention to reincarnate, paving the way for a successor to inherit a lineage spanning 500 years. Tibetan Buddhists believe the Dalai Lama possesses the ability to choose the body into which he is reborn.
This announcement put an end to years of speculation, which began when he suggested he might be the last to hold the position.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate also emphasized that the next Dalai Lama should be discovered and recognized according to traditional Buddhist practices, while stressing that his office will oversee the search.
China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist figure and insists that only Beijing holds the authority to approve his successor.
Meanwhile, the exiled Tibetan community in Dharamshala, numbering over 20,000, is preparing to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s birthday this Sunday.
His followers have erected large posters and billboards throughout the town, and tens of thousands of individuals are anticipated to attend the celebration, including Buddhist leaders from various sects and followers from around the globe.
Barbara Weibel, an American citizen and a follower of Buddhism for over 30 years, stated that she “had to be here for this.”
“I want this long life ceremony to keep him alive as long as possible,” she expressed.
