Dalai Lama Announces Successor to Maintain Tibetan Buddhism's Leadership
The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism states that his institution will continue after his death.
HONG KONG — The Dalai Lama has declared that he will appoint a successor upon his passing, maintaining the centuries-old tradition at the heart of Tibet’s ongoing struggle with China’s Communist Party.
This announcement was made in a video message to religious leaders gathered in Dharamshala, India, where the Nobel Peace laureate resides.
He fled Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese communist rule in 1959.
Citing requests from Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama stated that he will entrust the Gaden Phodrang Trust to recognize future reincarnations.
He emphasized that no other entity should interfere with this process, which should follow past traditions.
The Dalai Lama previously mentioned consulting high lamas and the Tibetan public when he reaches 90 years old about the continuation of his institution.
This recent declaration sets the stage for a contentious battle over succession between Tibetan leaders in exile and China’s Communist Party.
Beijing insists that the recognition of the next Dalai Lama must adhere to Chinese laws and be approved by the central government.
The spiritual leader urges Tibetans to reject any candidate selected by Beijing, potentially leading to rival claimants.
The announcement has raised concerns about the potential for a high-stakes struggle over influence in Tibetan Buddhism.
Both the Tibetan exile community and the Chinese government seek control over the future of Tibet, viewing the next Dalai Lama as pivotal to their respective agendas.
Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior official at the Dalai Lama’s office, stated that further details about the reincarnation process would be kept private until succession occurs.
Over his lifetime in exile, the Dalai Lama has become synonymous with Tibet’s quest for autonomy under China's grip.
His commitment to nonviolent negotiations and cultural preservation has garnered international support.
The Dalai Lama has expressed concern over Beijing’s attempts to meddle in the reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism.
The religious tradition involves a cycle of rebirth, where spiritual masters choose the place and time of their next life through compassion and prayer.
This practice has become a focal point for controlling Tibetan minds and hearts.
Tibetan Buddhist leaders condemned Beijing’s political use of reincarnation and stated they will never accept any candidate appointed by China.
The Dalai Lama asserts that any such appointee would lack legitimacy among Tibetans or followers of Tibetan Buddhism.
The situation is further complicated by the contested reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
Beijing installed its own Panchen Lama in 1995, ignoring the Dalai Lama’s chosen candidate, who has since disappeared.
This announcement was made in a video message to religious leaders gathered in Dharamshala, India, where the Nobel Peace laureate resides.
He fled Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese communist rule in 1959.
Citing requests from Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama stated that he will entrust the Gaden Phodrang Trust to recognize future reincarnations.
He emphasized that no other entity should interfere with this process, which should follow past traditions.
The Dalai Lama previously mentioned consulting high lamas and the Tibetan public when he reaches 90 years old about the continuation of his institution.
This recent declaration sets the stage for a contentious battle over succession between Tibetan leaders in exile and China’s Communist Party.
Beijing insists that the recognition of the next Dalai Lama must adhere to Chinese laws and be approved by the central government.
The spiritual leader urges Tibetans to reject any candidate selected by Beijing, potentially leading to rival claimants.
The announcement has raised concerns about the potential for a high-stakes struggle over influence in Tibetan Buddhism.
Both the Tibetan exile community and the Chinese government seek control over the future of Tibet, viewing the next Dalai Lama as pivotal to their respective agendas.
Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior official at the Dalai Lama’s office, stated that further details about the reincarnation process would be kept private until succession occurs.
Over his lifetime in exile, the Dalai Lama has become synonymous with Tibet’s quest for autonomy under China's grip.
His commitment to nonviolent negotiations and cultural preservation has garnered international support.
The Dalai Lama has expressed concern over Beijing’s attempts to meddle in the reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism.
The religious tradition involves a cycle of rebirth, where spiritual masters choose the place and time of their next life through compassion and prayer.
This practice has become a focal point for controlling Tibetan minds and hearts.
Tibetan Buddhist leaders condemned Beijing’s political use of reincarnation and stated they will never accept any candidate appointed by China.
The Dalai Lama asserts that any such appointee would lack legitimacy among Tibetans or followers of Tibetan Buddhism.
The situation is further complicated by the contested reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
Beijing installed its own Panchen Lama in 1995, ignoring the Dalai Lama’s chosen candidate, who has since disappeared.