Lobsang Wangyal / AFP - Getty Images

The Dalai Lama prays during a day-long fast and prayer service in honor of Tibetans who set themselves on fire to protest the Chinese rule in Tibet, at Tsuglagkhang Temple in Dharmsala, India, on October 19.

Ashwini Bhatia / AP

Tibetan Buddhist monks attend a prayer session with the Dalai Lama in Dharmsala, India, on October 19.

Manish Swarup / AP

Tibetan monks participate in a rally to express solidarity with the plight of the people of Tibet, in New Delhi, India, on October 19.

The AP reports from DHARMSALA, India:

The Dalai Lama on Wednesday fasted and led prayers in honor of nine Tibetans who set themselves on fire in apparent protest against China's tight grip over Buddhist practices in Tibet.

A 90-minute-long prayer service at the Dalai Lama's Tsuglakhang Temple, in the northern Indian town of Dharmsala, was in honor of the monks, former monks and a nun who have self-immolated since March calling for religious freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama. Continue reading.

See more images of the Dalai Lama's life in our slideshow.