Dharamshala: On the eve of his 90th birthday, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, expressed his heartfelt desire to live for many more decades as he joined thousands of exiled Tibetans in a long-life prayer ceremony at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple in McLeodganj, Dharamshala.
The globally revered Buddhist spiritual leader, who has lived in exile in India for over six decades, said he has clear signs and indications that the blessings of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, are with him.
“Looking at the many prophecies, I feel I have the blessings of Avalokiteshvara. I have done my best so far. I hope to still live for 30 to 40 years more,” the Dalai Lama told the gathering.
The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, has spent the past 65 years in India, where he established the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala. Despite living far from his homeland, he has remained a steadfast advocate for Tibet’s cultural identity, autonomy, and nonviolence.
“Though we have lost our country and we are living in exile in India, that’s where I have been able to benefit beings quite a lot, those living here in Dharamshala. I intend to continue benefiting and serving beings as much as I can,” he said.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is widely admired around the world for his teachings on compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony, while also being regarded by China as a separatist for his long-standing calls for greater Tibetan autonomy.
Ahead of his milestone birthday, the Dalai Lama also addressed questions surrounding the future of the centuries-old institution of the Dalai Lama. In a statement released on July 2, he confirmed that the institution will continue after his passing and that the responsibility of recognizing his successor lies with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, which he founded.
As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday on Sunday, celebrations are underway in Dharamshala and across Tibetan communities worldwide. His life, marked by resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to peace, continues to inspire millions.
