I have done my best so far. I hope to still live for 30-40 years more. Your prayers have borne fruit so far – Dalai Lama

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The Dalai Lama has put to rest rumours surrounding the announcement of his successor, saying he hopes to live for another 30-40 years more to serve people.

Speaking at the long life prayer ceremony ahead of his 90th birth anniversary at Tsuglagkhang, the main Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj, Tenzin Gyatso said that he has “clear signs and indications” that the blessings of the Avalokiteshvara are with him.

“Looking at the many prophecies, I feel I have blessings of the Avalokiteshvara. I have done my best so far. I hope to still live for 30-40 years more. Your prayers have borne fruit so far,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said.

He added that ever since he was a child, he had the feeling that he had a strong connection with Avalokiteshvara.

“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,” he said.

The Tibetan government-in-exile has organised a weeklong series of events to celebrate the birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama here.

As part of the celebrations, a long life prayer ceremony was held at the main temple that was attended by over 15,000 people.

The temple was thronged by devotees, representatives of different sects of Tibetan Buddhism, senior lamas of various monasteries, according to Tenzin Lekshay, the spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration.

The Dalai Lama said that though the Tibetans have lost their country and are living in exile in India, he has been able to “benefit beings quite a lot.”