McLeodganj: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday dismissed speculation around the announcement of his successor, expressing hope that he would live for another 30-40 years to continue serving the people.
Speaking during a long-life prayer ceremony at the Main Dalai Lama Temple in McLeodganj ahead of his 90th birth anniversary on Sunday, Tenzin Gyatso said he had “clear signs” of longevity and felt blessed by Avalokiteshwar.
“Looking at the many prophecies, I think I have the blessings of Avalokiteshwar. I have tried my best so far. I hope I still live another 30-40 years. Your prayers will bear fruit,” he said.
The Tibetan spiritual leader said he had felt a strong connection with Avalokiteshwar since childhood and was grateful for having served Buddhism and the Tibetan people so far. “I hope to live more than 130 years,” he added.
The Tibetan government has planned a week-long series of programmes to celebrate the 14th Dalai Lama’s birth anniversary, with over 15,000 people attending the prayer ceremony on Saturday, according to Tenzin Lekshay, spokesperson for the Central Tibetan Administration.
The gathering included devotees, senior lamas of various monasteries, and representatives of different sects of Tibetan Buddhism.
During his address, the Dalai Lama also recalled his past meetings with Chinese leader Mao Zedong, who famously described religion as poison, and with India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
“Throughout my life, I have met people who are interested in religion and those who are not. I did not react to those who criticised religion, and I felt pity for them,” he said.
