Turning 90, Dalai Lama Hopes to Live to 130
Light House Denver – The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has expressed his hope to live up to 130 years old. He shared this wish on the night before his 90th birthday during a long-life prayer ceremony organized by his followers.
“So far, I have done my best, and with the continued blessings of Avalokiteshvara, I hope to live another 30 or 40 years to continue serving all living beings and the Dharma,” the Dalai Lama said on Sunday (July 6, 2025).
Previously, in an interview with Reuters in December 2025, the Dalai Lama had also mentioned the possibility of living until the age of 110.
In his latest video message, the Dalai Lama reaffirmed that he would choose his successor in accordance with traditional practices. He emphasized that the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which he established, would hold the authority to recognize his future reincarnation.
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“The leaders of Tibetan Buddhism will be the ones to search for my successor. No other party has the right to interfere in this matter,” he asserted.
This statement is seen as a firm response to China’s claim of having the authority to determine the Dalai Lama’s succession. Beijing insists that the selection must go through the “golden urn” process.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the Dalai Lama’s succession must be approved by the Chinese government. However, the Dalai Lama has long warned China not to interfere in the reincarnation process of Tibetan spiritual leaders.
Tibetan writer and activist Tenzin Tsundue described the Dalai Lama’s statement as “a slap in the face” to China. He said it reinforces the Dalai Lama’s commitment to preserving the institution beyond Beijing’s influence.
The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in Dharamshala, India, since 1959. He fled Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
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