Dharamshala, India, July 5 (EFE).- The Dalai Lama said Saturday that he hoped to live for another 30 or 40 years, amid a conclave of Buddhist leaders that has been discussing issues related to his succession that has sparked a crisis with China.
The Tibetan leader’s statement, which comes a day before his 90th birthday, came during the “tenshug” ceremony for his long life at his residence in Dharamshala, in his first public appearance since the announcement of his succession plan where he authorized his Gaden Phodrang Foundation to find his successor.
“I have done my best so far. At least what I have done is I hope to still live for 30 or 40 years more. I bring prayer. Our prayers have their own fruit,” he said.
The spiritual leader of Tibet attributed this strength and optimism to his faith in Avalokiteshvara, the deity of compassion of which he is considered a manifestation.
“I would like to be sure as blessings are there with me. As soon as I wake up in the morning, I make this prayer (…) to fulfil the aims of myself and others, I should generate this mind of awakening,” he said. “I feel I have the blessings of Avalokiteshwara.”
He also called on his followers to maintain a collective faith, drawing an analogy with the Chinese Cultural Revolution to illustrate the power of joint determination.
“During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, they also put efforts collectively and therefore it had strength. So for us also, if we keep our single point of faith in Avalokiteshwara and with that single pointed mind of faith by keeping faith (…) it will have its result effects,” he added.
Finally, the spiritual leader underlined the universal context of his mission in life, recalling his encounters with leaders like Mao Zedong and his belief in a secular humanism that united both believers and non-believers.
“Throughout my life, I’ve met with people who have interest in religion and those who don’t have interest in religion. (…) Even those who have no religion believe they also strive to have happiness and avoid suffering,” he said, underlining his life’s purpose of serving all living beings. EFE
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