The Dalai Lama said on Saturday (Jul 5) he hopes to live until he is more than 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.

Ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama attributed his long life and spiritual journey to the blessings of Avalokiteshvara, and highlighted his lifelong service to Buddha Dharma and Tibetan cause.

His followers see him as the face of Tibet’s aspirations for greater autonomy, but have for years wrestled with the idea that he might be the last person to hold the role. He put that speculation to rest Wednesday,