The Nechung Oracle approaching His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Long Life ceremony at Drepung Lachi Assembly Hall in Mundgod, Karnataka, India on December 21, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

H.H. Dalai Lama: Lama’s longevity depends on disciple’s conduct

By Tenzin Monlam

Dharamshala, December 22, 2016: His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that whether a lama or a teacher lives long depends on the conduct of his disciples, during the celebration of the 600th Anniversary of the founding of Drepung Monastery at Drepung Lachi Assembly Hall in Mundgod.
“You have made prayers and I also pray that I will live long. If no one were to listen to what I have to say, there would be little point, but I have made suggestions and you have followed. You have worked and studied hard,” the Dalai Lama said after the long-life ceremony while adding that “if the Bodhisattvas and the Nalanda masters were to see what we’re doing, I think they’d be satisfied that we are keeping our traditions alive.”
The 81-year old stated that the Nechung Oracle insists that he should live to 108, an auspicious number. He however, pointed out that whether the Lama lives long depends on the conduct of the disciples. 

To commemorate the day, a concise biography of Jamyang Chöjey Tashi Palden, Founder of Drepung Monastery was readout out by the Chief Abbot of Drepung Monastery. Along with it, he also released a short book titled ‘The Divine Drum’.
The daylong celebration, attended by CTA dignitaries and abbots of various monasteries, also saw Lharampa Geshes receiving their degrees from Ganden Tripa.
During his keynote address at the ceremony, the spiritual leader said that the purpose of studying is to tame the mind to soften up and reduce the disturbing emotions before ultimately eliminating them. 
“After you study, the thing to do is engage in the practice of meditation as Trehor Kyorpon Rinpoche has done — keeping the Dharma alive through learning and practice,” he said.
Keeping in mind the possibility of having the philosophy and science categories of Tibetan Buddhism as part of academics for those interested, the Nobel Peace Laureate mentioned his plans to reclassify the contents of the Kangyur and Tengyur under categories of Buddhist science, philosophy and religion. http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=38469&article=Dalai+Lama+says+Lama%27s+longevity+depends+on+disciple%27s+conduct