'I wish to live for another 30-40 years and serve people', said the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday. With this, the Dalai Lama, who will turn 90 on 6 July, put to rest whispers surrounding the announcement of his successor.
Speaking at the long life prayer ceremony at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj, Tenzin Gyatso said that he has "clear signs and indications" that Avalokiteshvara's blessings are with him.
"Looking at the many prophecies, I feel I have blessings of the Avalokiteshvara. I have done my best so far. Your prayers have borne fruit so far. And I have been able to serve the Buddha dharma and the beings of Tibet so far quite well. And still, I hope to live over 130 years," the Tibetan spiritual leader stated.
Inside the birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama -
As per the Gregorian calendar, the Dalai Lama's birthday is officially observed on 6 July. The day is being marked and celebrated with a festive spirit and devotion by Tibetan communities and followers across the region. Commemorating the 90th birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama, the celebration events are planned for a week.
A long-life prayer ceremony was held at the main temple on Saturday, which was attended by more than 15,000 people. Devotees, representatives of different sects of Tibetan Buddhism, and senior lamas of various monasteries were present during the occasion, notified Tenzin Lekshay, the spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Also Read: Dalai Lama’s successor: Why the world is watching
'It doesn't happen like that': Tsering on whispers surrounding Dalai Lama's successor -
For the past several days, there have been speculations about the Dalai Lama announcing the name of his successor on his birthday. Refuting such whispers, Penpa Tsering, the president of the Central Tibetan Administration, asserted, "It doesn’t happen like that. Some are talking as if his holiness is going to die tomorrow or the day after or next year or something. He says he's going to live for another 20 years. So we have to understand the tradition."
"I think a lot of people came expecting this. His holiness might appoint somebody, or he might say that I'm going to be born in this place at that time. It doesn't happen like that," Tsering further added.
Tibetans don't want suffering, says the Tibetan spiritual leader -
"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 benefit and serve beings as much as I can", he said.
"Even those who have no religion or belief, also strive to have happiness and avoid suffering. So all beings on this earth, even Tibetans, we don't want suffering, we want happiness. All of us are the same in that sense. So accordingly, we need to engage in the methods to bring about happiness for them and alleviate their sufferings," added the Dalai Lama.
Also Read: India asserts only Dalai Lama can choose his successor
Cabinet ministers Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh will attend the birthday celebrations of the Tibetan spiritual leader.
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