DHARAMSHALA, India (AP) — The Dalai Lama, the revered Tibetan spiritual leader, expressed his aspiration to live beyond 130 years during a recent prayer ceremony organized by his followers. This statement comes shortly after he announced plans for his reincarnation following his passing, indicating that he intends to ensure a successor will carry on his legacy. The Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday on July 6, 2025, and has previously reassured his followers that he could live up to 110 years.
During the ceremony held in Dharamshala, where the Dalai Lama has resided in exile since fleeing Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, he conveyed his hopes for longevity. "I have been able to serve the Buddha dharma and the beings of Tibet so far quite well, and I hope to live over 130 years," he stated in front of thousands of followers who gathered to pray for his long life.
Dharamshala has become a significant hub for Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan community, which continues to seek greater autonomy under Chinese Communist Party rule. The Dalai Lama’s leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the aspirations of Tibetans both inside and outside China.
On July 2, 2025, the Dalai Lama announced his intention to reincarnate, a move that clarifies the succession process for the next Dalai Lama. This announcement ended long-standing speculation about whether he might be the last to hold the title. Tibetan Buddhists believe the Dalai Lama can select the body into which he reincarnates, and he emphasized that his successor should be identified following traditional Buddhist practices. The Dalai Lama insisted that his office would lead this search and has previously suggested that the next Dalai Lama would be born in the "free world," emphasizing his opposition to the Chinese government's influence over the process.
China has historically viewed the Dalai Lama as a separatist and maintains that only it holds the authority to approve his successor, stating it would reject any reincarnation that it deems unauthorized. Phuntsko Tsering, a Tibetan Buddhist living in Dharamshala, interpreted the Dalai Lama’s recent statements as a direct challenge to Beijing’s attempts to interfere in the succession process. "What he is trying to do is signal China that it shouldn’t meddle in the process of reincarnation," Tsering noted.
As the Dalai Lama's birthday approached, the exiled Tibetan community in Dharamshala prepared to celebrate his life and contributions. With an expected attendance of tens of thousands, the town saw preparations that included the installation of giant posters and billboards. Notable guests at the event included Buddhist leaders from various sects and followers from around the globe. Barbara Weibel, a U.S. citizen who has practiced Buddhism for over 30 years, expressed her dedication to the event, saying, “I want this long life ceremony to keep him alive as long as possible.”
The Dalai Lama remains a central figure in the Tibetan struggle for identity and autonomy, and his recent comments about longevity and reincarnation reflect his ongoing commitment to his people and their aspirations.
