His Holiness assures to live over 110 years as Tibetans offer him long-life prayer
DHARAMSALA, 17 May: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended a long-life prayer offering (tenshug) offered to him by the Central Tibetan Administration(CTA) on behalf of Tibetans both inside Tibet and in exile and Tibetan spiritual traditions (cholsum choegyud).
Thousands of Tibetans and followers of the Buddhist faith gathered at the courtyard of Tsuglagkhang, the main temple to attend the long-life prayer offering.
The prayer was also attended by the heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay, members of the Kashag, Speaker Pema Jungney, members of the Tibetan Parliament in exile and officials of the Tibetan government in exile.
His Holiness the 42nd Kyabgon Gongma Trizin, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, led the long-life prayer ceremony as the Dorje Lopon.
Following the prayer ceremony, the Dalai Lama addressed the congregation and thanked the participants and the organisers for offering him the long life prayer.
His Holiness also thanked Tibetans both inside and outside Tibet as well as his devotees across the world for their concern and praying for him as he took ill recently.
The Tibetan spiritual leader added that offering prayer to Lama with unwavering devotion and commitment is greatly related to the longevity of Lama’s life.
Much to the delight of the congregation, the Dalai Lama then reaffirmed to live at least until 110 years of age.
“Though I can’t swim, I had a dream wherein I was swimming with Palden Lhamo seated on my back. Palden Lhamo tells me in the dream that I will live until 110 years for sure.”
The 83-year-old Tibetan Nobel Laureate has previously spoken about his recurring dreams which indicated that he will live for at least 113 years.
The Dalai Lama then recalled a remark he made in Ladakh after he was requested to grace many engagements. “I asked if they would prefer the Dalai Lama to live a long life with fewer engagements or a very active but short life?”
“As I am being requested to take rest told the importance of taking rest now, that’s what I long for,” the Dalai Lama said and concluded by saying, “I also pray to live until 110s and probably with good health I surely will.”
