Days after formally declaring that he plans to reincarnate after his death, the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, put an end to years of uncertainty on his succession by saying that he hopes to live another 40 years, until he is 130. Speaking to thousands of devotees at a long-life prayer event in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama said, “So far, I have done my best and with the continued blessings of Avalokiteshvara, I hope to live another 30 or 40 years, continuing to serve sentient beings and the Buddha Dharma."
In an attempt to allay rumors and thwart Chinese meddling in the process, the Dalai Lama had just days previously stated via video message during a three-day religious summit that his successor would be selected in line with centuries-old Buddhist customs.
According to him, the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which was founded to uphold the Dalai Lama's institution, will take the lead in acknowledging his rebirth.
“Tibetan Buddhist leaders will search for the successor," he added, making it clear that “no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter."
“In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he said, referencing appeals from Buddhists worldwide calling for the continuation of the spiritual office. The 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet after an unsuccessful rebellion against Chinese control and has been living in exile in India since 1959.