DHARAMSHALA — The Dalai Lama told followers on Saturday he hopes to live beyond 130 years, downplaying concerns over his succession just days before his 90th birthday.

Speaking at a long-life prayer ceremony in Dharamshala, where he has lived in exile since fleeing Tibet in 1959, the Tibetan spiritual leader said he remains committed to serving others and the Buddha’s teachings.

“We lost our country and live in exile, but I have been able to help many beings. I still intend to serve here in Dharamshala and hope to live over 130,” he said to hundreds of followers from around the world.

The Dalai Lama, who previously suggested he might live to 110, reiterated this week that only his institution, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, has the authority to recognise his reincarnation — rejecting China’s claim to control the process. Beijing considers him a separatist and insists it must approve his successor, citing historical precedent.

He has also said his next reincarnation would appear “in the free world.”