STORY: The Dalai Lama said on Saturday (July 5) he hopes to live until he is more than 130 years old, two decades longer than his previous prediction, following his assurance to followers that he would reincarnate as the spiritual head of the faith upon his death.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was speaking during a ceremony organized by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday (July 6), and as China insists it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama told Reuters in December he might live to 110.

"I have been able to serve the Buddhadharma (the teachings of Buddhism) and the beings of Tibet so far quite well," he said between prayers, clearing his throat now and then.

"And still, I hope to live over 130 years," he said, sparking applause and cheers among his followers.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: DHARAMSHALA, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 5, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. TIBETAN SPIRITUAL LEADER THE DALAI LAMA SITTING

2. MONKS SITTING AND LISTENING

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Tibetan) TIBETAN SPIRITUAL LEADER, THE DALAI LAMA, SAYING:

"It is very clear that I have a special connection with Lord Avalokitesvara. Even in my childhood, I had this feeling that I had a clear and strong connection with Avalokitesvara and I have been able to serve the Buddhadharma (the teachings of Buddhism) and the beings of Tibet quite well so far. I still hope to live for over 130 years."

4. DALAI LAMA SEATED

5. MONKS CHANTING HYMNS

6. FOLLOWERS DANCING WITH SCARVES

7. (SOUNDBITE) (English) OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON OF CENTRAL TIBETAN ADMINISTRATION, TENZIN LEKSHAY, SAYING:

"Today, we are having a long life prayer session ceremony for His Holiness by the Central Tibetan Administration on behalf of all the Tibetan people inside and outside of Tibet. There are many guests over here… there are people over here, there are gurus over here, there are all people from different parts of the world joining here to celebrate and to wish His Holiness a long life.”

8. DALAI LAMA SEATED

9. DEVOTEES STANDING AROUND DALAI LAMA

10. MONKS PLAYING TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS

11. DEVOTEES STANDING AROUND DALAI LAMA

12. MONKS STANDING

13. DALAI LAMA SEATED

14. MONKS SEATED

15. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOLLOWER, RITU SAREEN, SAYING:

"It is His Holiness' 90th birthday and people have gathered from around the world and it's such an amazing, exciting time to be here today to celebrate his 90 years and the contribution he has made to the world in all these years."

16. DALAI LAMA INTERACTING WITH INDIAN MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS, KIREN RIJIJU AND LEADER OF TIBETAN GOVERNMENT IN-EXILE, SIKYONG PENPA TSERING

17. DEVOTEES STANDING

18. DEVOTEES OFFERING RELIGIOUS ARTICLES TO DALAI LAMA

19. VARIOUS OF MONKS AT CEREMONY