His Holiness the Dalai Lama who is currently staying at Shewatsel, Leh, Ladkah has written a letter expressing gratitude to everyone who sent him greetings on his 88th Birthday this morning. “Dear brothers and sisters,” the message reads,

“Thank you so much for your warm greetings on the occasion of my 88th birthday.

With a firm belief in the oneness of humanity, I have been devoting myself to contribute whatever I can to the welfare of all human beings and the creation of a more peaceful world. Accordingly, I recite the following prayer on a daily basis:

As long as space endures,

And as long as sentient beings remain,

Until then, may I too remain

To help dispel the misery of the world.

Although I have faced some difficulties over the years, I have continued to do whatever I could without losing hope or allowing my determination to flag. I’m angry with no one, not even those Communist Chinese leaders who have adopted a harsh attitude towards Tibet and the Tibetans.

Various predictions, including signs in my own dreams, indicate that I will live until I am more than 100 years old. In the meantime, I am committed to continuing to do whatever I can in the service of others.

I thank you again for your greetings and for your prayers for my long life.

With my prayers and good wishes.”