Dalai Lama expresses hope to live past 130 years old

In Dharamshala, India, the Dalai Lama shared his hopes of living beyond 130 years of age just a day before he celebrated his 90th birthday. This announcement came during a ceremony in which thousands of his followers gathered to offer prayers for his long life, reflecting the community’s strong support for their spiritual leader. Since 1959, the Dalai Lama has been residing in India as a refugee after fleeing Tibet due to the political unrest with Chinese governance. Despite being in exile, he has continuously worked towards uplifting the Tibetan cause while promoting the teachings of Buddhism. Furthermore, he recently outlined his plans for succession, stating his intent to reincarnate after his death, thus ensuring the continuation of the Dalai Lama lineage. This announcement has sparked renewed tensions between India and China, as both countries hold differing views on who has the authority to oversee the selection of the next Dalai Lama. The Indian government has asserted its commitment to uphold religious freedoms and has opted not to intervene in matters of faith, while China claims its authority over such decisions. The Dalai Lama's remarks have thus resonated widely, as they reflect his enduring commitment to serving Tibetan Buddhist practitioners and the broader global Buddhist community, regardless of the political complications surrounding his position and legacy.