DHARAMSHALA: A day before his 90th birthday and amid talks of succession, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Saturday said he hoped to live beyond 130 years.
Addressing devotees during a long-life prayer ceremony held by Central Tibetan Administration at main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj , he said, "So far, I believe I have served Buddha Dharma and the Tibetan people quite well... I hope to live for another 30 or 40 years - even over 130."
The Tibetan spiritual master - known for his scientific temperament - has often laughed off in his trademark humour any talk about his years on Earth, each time giving different figures.
In Dec 2024, he had said he might live for 110 years or more. Five years before that, he assured his followers he would live beyond 113 years.
CTA president Penpa Tsering told TOI, "It is very difficult to interpret what His Holiness says... We believe every word he speaks."
Speaking to a gathering that included Union minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu, and MP Tapir Gao, the Dalai Lama said, “So today, here we have gods, representatives of gods, and human beings gathering the auspicious conditions for my long life and offering your prayers sincerely.”
He also talked about meeting Mao Zedong, who dismissed religion as “poison,” and India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He called upon the audience to maintain faith and generate the altruistic mind of ‘Bodhichitta’ — the essence of Dharma to fulfil the welfare of self and others. “I trust in the blessings of Avalokiteshvara. You should, too. That’s all. Thank you,” he said.
Addressing devotees during a long-life prayer ceremony held by Central Tibetan Administration at main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj , he said, "So far, I believe I have served Buddha Dharma and the Tibetan people quite well... I hope to live for another 30 or 40 years - even over 130."
The Tibetan spiritual master - known for his scientific temperament - has often laughed off in his trademark humour any talk about his years on Earth, each time giving different figures.
In Dec 2024, he had said he might live for 110 years or more. Five years before that, he assured his followers he would live beyond 113 years.
CTA president Penpa Tsering told TOI, "It is very difficult to interpret what His Holiness says... We believe every word he speaks."
Speaking to a gathering that included Union minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu, and MP Tapir Gao, the Dalai Lama said, “So today, here we have gods, representatives of gods, and human beings gathering the auspicious conditions for my long life and offering your prayers sincerely.”
He also talked about meeting Mao Zedong, who dismissed religion as “poison,” and India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He called upon the audience to maintain faith and generate the altruistic mind of ‘Bodhichitta’ — the essence of Dharma to fulfil the welfare of self and others. “I trust in the blessings of Avalokiteshvara. You should, too. That’s all. Thank you,” he said.
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