In zest or jest? Will live for 130 years, perhaps more, Dalai Lama tells followers

DHARAMSHALA: A day before his 90th birthday and amid talks of succession, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Saturday said he hoped to live beyond 130 years.

Addressing devotees during a long-life prayer ceremony held by Central Tibetan Administration at main Tibetan temple in McLeodganj , he said, "So far, I believe I have served Buddha Dharma and the Tibetan people quite well... I hope to live for another 30 or 40 years - even over 130."

The Tibetan spiritual master - known for his scientific temperament - has often laughed off in his trademark humour any talk about his years on Earth, each time giving different figures.

In Dec 2024, he had said he might live for 110 years or more. Five years before that, he assured his followers he would live beyond 113 years.

CTA president Penpa Tsering told TOI, "It is very difficult to interpret what His Holiness says... We believe every word he speaks."