India, July 6 -- Ahead of his 90th birthday celebrations, the Dalai Lama on Saturday radiated optimism about his well-being, stating, "I hope to still live for 30-40 years more," attributing his strength and longevity to the blessings of Avalokiteshvara.

The most well-known mantra of Avalokite?vara is chanted in Tibetan as "Om Mani Peme Hung". While the mantra has many layers of meaning, it is often interpreted as "O Jewel in the Lotus, H??". "Om" represents the body, speech, and mind of the Buddha, "Mani" is the jewel, "Padme" is the lotus flower, and "Hum" signifies the indivisibility of wisdom and compassion.

At a ceremony, steeped in ritual and reverence, in McLeodganj's Tsuglagkhang Temple, where more than 15,000 devotees had assem...