Dalai Lama reassures he’s in good health, looks to live 100 plus

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the crowd during the Long Life Ceremony in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India on December 31, 2018. (Photo courtesy: OHHDL/Lobsang Tsering)

(TibetanReview.net, Jan01’19) – The Dalai Lama has on Dec 31 reassured his devotees and followers that he was in good health, both physically and mentally, and looked forward to live for more than a hundred years. The occasion was the offering to him of a grand long-life prayer ritual jointly by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Namgyal Monastery, and Shelkhar Ngashap at Bodh Gaya in Bihar state of India. The day also saw Bihar’s Chief Minister Mr Nitish Kumar calling on the Dalai Lama at his Gaden Phelgyeling Monastery residence.

“At such a critical juncture in our history, I think I have done a considerable service to the Tibetan cause and people. Even today, I am very healthy, my mind is extremely sharp and I pray to live for more than hundred years to continue my service. Similarly, all of you should collectively pray,” the CTA quoted the Dalai Lama as saying on its Tibet.net website Dec 31.

The exiled spiritual leader of Tibet was further quoted as saying, “There are millions of Tibetans in Tibet who have expressed unwavering faith and prayers for my health and long life. I accept this offering as being made on their behalf.”

He has spoken of having requested all the protector deities related to the Gaden Phodrang to be invoked to take part in the prayer offering for his long life. “With their participation, today’s prayer offering will be symbolised as a collective prayer from both the people and the protector oracles of the land of snows,” he was quoted as saying.

“I am given the title as the Crowning Jewel of Gods and Others, hence it is most appropriate that the oracles and humans jointly make this offering,” he was further quoted as saying.

Tibet.net said representatives and caretakers of all the 276 Registered Tibetan monasteries and nunneries across India took part in the ceremony.

The Dalai Lama’s reassurances about his good health and longevity came as it emerged that on Dec 29 he took an unscheduled day-long rest from his teachings, complaining of a sudden onset of feeling unwell, including with a bit of vomiting and diarrhea. Afterwards he told his devotees that with rest he felt all right latter in the afternoon. He also spoke of his plans to give more teachings at Bodh Gaya next year.

The Dalai Lama arrived at Bodh Gaya on Dec 16 and left on Dec 31 for Dharamshala via New Delhi.

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