Dalai Lama Expresses Wish to Live 40 More Years

Desire is a natural human trait — many believe it's the driving force behind progress. But certain spiritual traditions, like Buddhism and Jainism, advocate renunciation of desires. Ironically, one of the highest spiritual leaders of Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, has expressed a very specific desire — to live for another 40 years.

Speaking at a long-life prayer ceremony in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the 14th Dalai Lama revealed his wish to live up to 130 years. Currently aged 90, the Tibetan spiritual leader said he believes he has the blessings of Avalokiteshvara (a manifestation of the Buddha), and that his long life is essential for continuing his service to humanity and the Tibetan people.

“I believe I have served the Dharma and the people of Tibet well so far… I hope to live for another 30 or 40 years,” the Dalai Lama said during his address.

The ceremony was organized by the Central Tibetan Administration to mark his 90th birthday. This isn’t the first time the Dalai Lama has spoken about his lifespan. In the past, he has humorously said he might live to 110 or even 113 years, claiming to have received divine signals that he has more work to do in this life.

Succession Dispute with China
While the Dalai Lama’s longevity is a subject of spiritual discussion, his succession has become a matter of international tension — particularly between him and the Chinese government. Traditionally, the Dalai Lama reincarnates, and senior monks identify the new incarnation based on age-old Tibetan Buddhist methods.

However, China has insisted that it must approve any successor to the current Dalai Lama, which has sparked global concern and opposition. The Dalai Lama has firmly asserted that only he holds the authority to decide on his successor, not China.

The Indian government has also taken a clear stance, affirming that the authority to identify the 15th Dalai Lama lies solely with the current spiritual leader and the Tibetan religious community — not with any government.

As the spiritual leader continues to age, the world watches closely how the complex issue of succession unfolds, especially amid growing geopolitical tension between China and India.

Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama’s wish to live longer is seen by his followers not just as a personal desire, but a hopeful sign of stability and guidance for the global Buddhist community.