Dalai Lama Announces Plan for Successor, Faces Obstruction from ChinaThe exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, has confirmed that there will be a successor after his death. This was confirmed through a video message broadcast at a gathering of religious leaders in Himachal Pradesh, India, on Wednesday. Through this announcement, the Dalai Lama assured Buddhists that the 600-year-old tradition of the Dalai Lama institution will continue worldwide.This announcement by the Dalai Lama is a historic decision for Tibetans as well as his supporters around the world. Many of them had feared a future without leadership. They see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of non-violence, compassion, and the preservation of Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule.The current Dalai Lama’s name is Tenzin Gyatso. Tibetans believe he is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. He is held in special esteem by his followers for his relentless struggle for greater autonomy for Tibet.Tibet, a vast high plateau within China, is almost the size of South Africa and currently under Chinese control. The Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans have lived in exile in India since fleeing Tibet after a failed uprising in Lhasa crushed by Chinese forces in 1959.The charismatic Buddhist leader, who won the Nobel Peace Prize, has previously stated that the Dalai Lama position will continue only if there is popular demand for it. On Wednesday, he said that over the past 14 years, many Buddhists and exiled Tibetan communities from various Himalayan regions, Mongolia, Russia, and China had repeatedly appealed to him to maintain the continuity of the Dalai Lama institution.At the beginning of the religious leaders’ meeting held in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the Dalai Lama said in his video message that he had also received similar requests from inside Tibet through various channels. This spiritual leader has lived in Himachal for decades since fleeing Tibet.He said, “In response to these requests from Buddhist followers, I confirm that the Dalai Lama institution will continue.” In the past, his old age had created concerns among Tibetans about the future of their leadership and the sensitive issue of choosing a successor.This announcement on the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution came just ahead of his 90th birthday (6 July).• China’s ReactionIn a response on Wednesday, China stated that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must have the approval of the central government. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, and other significant Buddhist figures will be determined by drawing lots from the Golden Urn and must receive central government approval.She referred to this method, introduced by an emperor of the Qing dynasty in the 18th century, and said that the Chinese government follows the policy of religious freedom. However, there is a specific process for managing religious matters and the reincarnation of living Tibetan Buddhists.• Historic DecisionWhile China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and a rebel, this internationally recognized Buddhist leader describes himself as “just a simple Buddhist monk.”Many exiled Tibetans fear that China might announce its own Dalai Lama, which could strengthen Beijing’s control over the region. China had deployed troops to Tibet in 1950.On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama said the full responsibility for determining the 15th Dalai Lama will rest with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his office.He stated, “I want to make it absolutely clear once again: the sole authority to recognize future reincarnations belongs to the Gaden Phodrang Trust; no one else has the right to interfere.”Exiled Tibetan rights activist Chemi Lhamo (30) said she believes the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution will serve the interests of Tibetans. She said there is no doubt the Dalai Lama institution will continue to work for the welfare of humanity. At the same time, this announcement has sent a clear message rejecting China’s interference in choosing the future leader.In 2011, the Dalai Lama transferred his political authority to the democratically elected government of 130,000 Tibetans living in exile around the world. At that time, he warned that his spiritual position faced a “clear risk of abuse of the reincarnation system for self-serving political purposes.”
