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,

The statement comes as celebrations are underway in Dharamshala ahead of the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama says he hopes to live until he is over 130 years old, a remark he made during a ceremony organized by his followers to offer prayers for his long life as he prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday.