Dharamshala, India — Led by the Tibetan-government-in-exile, officially known as Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), a long life prayer to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on behalf of the Tibetans inside Tibet and exile was held at the main temple in Dharamshala, HP, India, on May 17, 2019. The event was attended by about 7500 Tibetans and Buddhist devotees across the world.
Tibetans across the world expressed their unwavering faith to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and offered their prayers for his long life and good health led by prominent figures of the major Tibetan religious traditions. This is the second such prayer offering event in the last two years, the first was held in Bodh Gaya in December last year.
Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, Gaden Tri Rinpoche, Shartse Choje Rinpoche, Jhangtse Choje Rinpoche, Tai Situ Rinpoche, Ponlop Rinpoche, Rigo Tulku Rinpoche were amongst the most important representatives of Tibet’s major religious traditions. Likewise, Tibetan officials including ministers and Secretaries of the departments, also participated in the grand ceremony of prayers witnessed by many foreign devotees.
Tibetan artists from Tibetan TIPA performed opera dances while singing a serenade of welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama filling the courtyard with an echo of faith and conviction of thousands of devotees.
Accompanying His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the main Tibetan temple were President Dr Lobsang Sangay, Chief Justice Commissioner Kargyu Dhondup and House Speaker Pema Jungney.
Expressing his earnest gratitude to the participants and organisers for the elaborate tenshug offering, His Holiness the Dalai Lama once again reaffirmed to live more than 100 years to serve humanity and especially for the benefit of Tibetan people and the cause.
“The First Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gendun Drup, who lived to be 84, had no wish to be born in a pure land. Since I have the opportunity to benefit beings, it will be good if I’m able to live longer. I make prayers to him for his blessing that I may live another 10–15 years,” His Holiness said, adding, “Once I had a dream that I was swimming, even though I can’t swim, and Palden Lhamo was riding on my back. She remarked, ‘There’s no doubt you’ll live until you’re 110 years old."
"Other people too have dreamt that I may live till I’m 113. As I told people in Ladakh, what would you prefer, that you keep asking me to come here and there, or that I live long? People and deities have made this long-life offering. I’m sure it will have a positive effect and I hope I will live to 110,” His Holiness further added.
Addressing the gathering, His Holiness recounted on the recent health issue which had caused widespread concerns among his followers and well-wishers who no sooner had they learned about His Holiness’ health complication sent prayers and good wishes. His Holiness, therefore, thanked them once again.
Acquainting the gathering on the power of sincere prayer, His Holiness affirmed that the prayers offered for his long life and the blessings endowed on him are indeed sincere and therefore it is likely that those prayers will prove their benefits.
Speaking at the long life prayers co-organised by the Tibetan government and Tibetan people across the world, His Holiness admitted having done a considerable amount of service not only for the Tibetan cause and people but for the welfare of humanity at large through his recurrent teachings and talk on human love and compassion.
His Holiness then narrated one of the auspicious dreams he dreamt where he encountered Palden Lhamo, the protector of Lhamo-Lha-Tso (oracle lake in Tibet) who further predicted that His Holiness would live for 110 years.
“Even now when I am 84 years old, I am still very much healthy so I think there is certainly no doubt that I would live for 110 years. I only need to relax and have a quality time now” affirmed His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
This particular affirmation declared by His Holness the Dalai Lama is indeed the long-standing collective aspirations of six million Tibetans and their happiness knew no bounds on hearing the good news.
The Tenshug or long life prayer offering is also being observed for the pacification of all obstacles of this 84th year of His Holiness’ life, and for the fulfillment of his benevolent wishes.
