Dalai Lama says he hopes to live beyond 130 years, longer than predicted 110

He assures followers ahead of his 90th birthday that he would be reincarnated

- 

DHARAMSHALA, India - The Dalai Lama said on July 5 that he hopes to live until he is over 130 years old, two decades longer than his previous prediction, following his assurance to followers that he would reincarnate as the spiritual head of the faith upon his death.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was speaking at a ceremony organised by his followers to pray for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6, and as China insists it will choose his successor.

The Dalai Lama had told Reuters in December he might live to 110.

"I have been able to serve the Buddhadharma (the teachings of Buddhism) and the beings of Tibet so far quite well," he said between prayers, clearing his throat now and then.

"And still, I hope to live over 130 years," he added, sparking applause among his followers.

The 14th Dalai Lama, already the longest-lived head of Tibetan Buddhism, spent about 90 minutes at the prayers in his temple.