Dharamshala — Two Tibetan organisations and young Tibetans from around the world offered a long-life prayer to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Wednesday. His Holiness said, "there are leaders in the world who exercise their power and authority through the use of weapons. The Dalai Lama, however, leads people with faith and reverence. not with guns or knives, I seek to benefit as many people as I can."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended a long-life prayer (Tenshug) offered to him by Namgyal Institute Ithaca, Lhokha Cultural & Welfare Association and young Tibetans from Across the World at the Main Tibetan Temple, Dharamashala, on September 10, 2025. Approximately 4,000 people gathered in the temple and courtyard, including more than 1,000 Tibetan youth, 700 members of the Lhokha community, and 40 representatives from the Namgyal Institute in Ithaca.
When His Holiness arrived at the temple gate from his residence in a golf cart, he was greeted by members of the various organisations involved in organising the Tenshug. the monks of Gongkar Chödé beat large drums strapped to their backs as a sign of welcome. After them, a group of Tibetan women sang to greet His Holiness. He showed his gratitude by smiling and greeting the crowd.
His Holiness took his seat in the temple. Presiding over the today's ceremony in the front row, facing him, were Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche of the Sakya Phuntsok Phodrang and Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche of Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery. The long-life prayer for His Holiness begins following various rituals.
His Holiness then addressed the assembly and said,"So, here today, all of us have gathered with great dedication and absolute sincerity. Since I was a child, I have been regarded as Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso, the Dalai Lama. I received teachings from Tagdrag Rinpoché, Ling Rinpoché and Trijang Rinpoché and my Debate Assistants helped me study philosophy and logic. I pursued Buddhist philosophy with great enthusiasm.
"Eventually I had to come into exile, but before I left Norbulingka I went to pray before the statue of Six-armed Mahakala. I felt sorry to leave him behind, but I still have a strong impression of what he looked like.
"Since I came into exile, I’ve visited many different countries around the world. Today, we’re here in Dharamsala, North India and you’ve offered prayers for my long life with unmatched dedication, courage and reverence. You’ve offered prayers with great sincerity and dedication. In exile I have led the Tibetan administration and engaged in spiritual affairs.
"I was born in Amdo, but moved to Central Tibet where I pursued my studies of the Perfection of Wisdom, the philosophy of the Middle Way and so forth. As far as the Treasury of Knowledge, the Abhidharmakosha, by Vasubandhu, is concerned, I had neither enthusiasm for nor much belief in its description of the formation of the world and so forth. But with regard to the Perfection of Wisdom, the Middle Way and logic, I got a taste of what they are about by studying them.
"I have been through lots of ups and downs, but these have not affected my health, or my determination, whatever the Chinese may say, to go where my karma takes me. In China proper there are growing numbers of people taking an interest in the Buddhist tradition. I am determined to be of benefit to everyone. I take a broad view and always try to look at things from a wider perspective, to benefit everyone without distinction.
"Today, here in India, these prayers for my long life have been organized by Young Tibetans from Across the World, the Lhokha Cultural & Welfare Association and Namgyal Monastery’s Institute for Buddhist Studies in Ithaca, New York. Although we are living in an era of decline and many changes are taking place, at the same time the Dalai Lama has become widely admired around the world. As a result of karma I have created and prayers I have made in the past, I pray that meeting with me, or listening to my teaching, will leave a strong, positive imprint on your minds so you will be taken care of and guided by Chenrezig in life after life. Of course, you should make prayers about this too.
"It’s quite natural that we should come together for a while and then disperse, but your faith and reverence is unwavering. It will continue in life after life. You have offered prayers here today that I will live long and I have made my own prayers that I will be able to continue to fulfil my responsibilities for the benefit of the Tibetan people, our spiritual traditions and for humanity in general.
"It’s not only Buddhists who admire what I have to say. Christians, scientists and even people with no religious faith do too. According to the wishes you have expressed I will live long. I pray that as Buddhism spreads and flourishes in China, the faith and respect of people in many different places connected with the Dalai Lama will become firm, stable and profound.
"Not so long ago I had a vision of being in a large hall with the Buddha. He beckoned to me and seemed to be very pleased with me. I felt that I was someone who has been serving the Buddha and his teaching. I am determined to continue to do this.
"There are leaders in the world who exercise their power and authority through the use of weapons. The Dalai Lama, however, leads people with faith and reverence. not with guns or knives, I seek to benefit as many people as I can.
"Great changes have been taking place in China. Meanwhile, I live in India from where my name has become respected and well-known in other parts of the world. I do my best to serve others and you should do the same.
"With regard to the prayers for my long life that have been made today, I feel that I will live for many years to come. I dedicate my body, speech and mind to the service of others. As soon as I wake in the morning, I renew my commitment to the benefit of all sentient beings. I cultivate the awakening mind of bodhichitta within. I make prayers that I may accomplish these goals and I encourage you to do so too," His Holiness concluded his speech.
This Tenshug brought together more than 5,000 participants from 33 countries, including more than 1,000 young Tibetans who participated in person, joined by thousands more who participated online. The Tenshug demonstrated the unity and dedication of young Tibetans in Tibet and in exile to preserve and honour their cultural and spiritual heritage.
The Tibetan Youth Tenshug expressed their deep gratitude and reverence for His Holiness's tireless efforts for Tibetans and all of humanity. The Tibetan Youth Tenshug also rejoiced His Holiness's reaffirmed commitment to all sentient beings and expressed hopes for his longevity-aspiring to see him live more than 130 years.
Dawa Choezom, President of Tibetan Youth Tenshug said: "This Tenshug today embodied the collective spirit of gratitude, reverence, and dedication to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It was truly inspiring to witness the energy and unwavering commitment of young Tibetans coming together for a shared purpose. This initiative has strengthened our resolve to preserve Tibetan identity and underscored the vital role of youth in safeguarding our cultural heritage."
