President Dr Lobsang Sangay, Central Tibetan Administration presenting the offerings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Long Life Offering ceremony organised by the Central Tibetan Administration, Namgyal Monastery and Shelkhar Ngashap at the Kalachakra Teaching Ground in Bodhgaya, 31 December 2018. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA

December 31, 2018, Bodh Gaya, India. Tibetans all around the world ended the year 2018 on an auspicious note with blessings from their spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama who affirmed—yet again—to live for more than hundred years for the benefit of Tibetan people and the cause.

Speaking at the Long Life prayers organised by Central Tibetan Administration, Namgyal Monastery and Shelkhar Ngashap this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, “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.”

President of Central Tibetan Administration, Heads of the three pillars of Tibetan democracy which includes the Kashag, Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, heads of the Autonomous bodies and all the CTA Offices were represented at the Tenshug ceremony.

“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,” His Holiness said.

The Tenshug ceremony also witnessed invocation of Tibetan protectors namely Nechung, Tenma Chonyi, Thanglha oracle, Machen Pomra.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama told the gathering that he had requested all the protector deities related to 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 snow.”

His Holiness added, “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 mentioned that the oracles, particularly the Nechug Dorje Drak shares a unique spiritual connection with the lineage of Dalai Lamas.

“They have existed for a long time to serve the flourishing of Tibetan Buddha dharma, the happiness of sentient beings and most importantly for the happiness of the people of Tibet.”

“Therefore, it is common responsibility of the humans and the oracles to work for the Tibetan cause.”

Elaborate ceremonial offerings were presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Representing the collective aspirations of six million Tibetans and their fervent prayers for His Holiness’ long life, CTA made an offering of 113 statues of Buddha. The offering is an auspicious symbol of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life.

On the occasion, CTA will also present Buddha statues to all the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and nunneries in India. Representatives and caretakers of all the 276 Registered Tibetan monasteries and nunneries across India are participating in the ceremony.

The Tenshug offering is also being observed for the pacification of all obstacles of this 84th year of His Holiness’ life, and for the fulfilment of his benevolent wishes. https://tibet.net/2018/12/i-am-healthy-my-mind-is-sharp-and-i-pray-to-live-for-over-hundred-years-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-at-tenshug-ceremony-bodh-gaya/