By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 2: The Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that he is confident of living over the age of one hundred during a tenshug (long life) ceremony here at Tsuglakhang temple today. The ceremony for the Tibetan leader’s long life was offered by the people of Pema Ko and Phenpo in exile.
The Dalai Lama said, “Even in my dreams and according to some prophecies by tertons (treasure revealer/masters in Tibetan Buddhism), It is indicated that I may live till the age of 113 which seems difficult but I think I will live for another 15 to 20 years, over the age of 100. Being one of the 7 billion human beings on this earth, I feel I have the responsibility to serve the humanity. It is not enough that I live a long life; one has to serve the humanity in whatever manner possible while living. I have prayed and wished that this body of mine assists me in accomplishing that and I feel that there are considerable results to my efforts till now.”
The Dalai Lama expressed gratitude to the people of the Pema Ko and Phenpo saying that the tenshug will bring benefit to his well being, although reiterating that “faith and bond” between him and the Tibetan people is of foremost importance.
“Today you have offered me the tenshug for my long life and well being. In return, I request you all to practice the essence of Buddhism which is to cultivate control over one’s own mind and to become a true follower of the Buddha Shakyamuni,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said in closing.
More than 3000 ethic Tibetans from Phenpo (spread across India and Nepal) and Pema Koepa (Miao, Tezu, Tuting and Orissa Tibetan settlements) congregated at the Thekchen Choling temple and offered the long life ceremony.
Nyima Choedon who has come from Tezu Tibetan settlement in Arunachal Pradesh told Phayul, “We are happy that His Holiness has assured to live beyond the age of one hundred. Even though Tibetans in the North-East India are not that financially well-off and we live in a remote area and face accessibility problems, it seems that our trip has proved to be a success. We are all extremely happy to have this opportunity.”
The Dalai Lama also confirmed that he will visit the border state in March next year saying he will visit the Tuting region situated in the Upper Siang District in Arunachal Pradesh.
