The Dalai Lama stated on Wednesday that the 600-year-old institution of the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhists will continue after his passing. He declared that a trust he established will be the sole authority to recognise his reincarnation, effectively excluding any role for China in the selection process.
Speculation about the future of the Dalai Lama’s position has increased since he mentioned in 2011 that he would decide on his 90th birthday, July 6 this year, whether the role should persist. His recent announcement was made during a Tibetan religious conference in McLeodganj, near Dharamshala, India, as part of celebrations for his upcoming birthday.
In a prerecorded video message, the Dalai Lama outlined the procedure for selecting his successor. His decision was influenced by numerous requests from Tibetan spiritual leaders, the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, and the Buddhist diaspora across the Himalayas, Mongolia, and even China. He remarked, “I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,” which prompted cheers from over 100 monks and supporters present.
The Dalai Lama emphasised, “The Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else can interfere in this matter.” This statement rules out any involvement from China regarding his reincarnation.
China’s response was quick and angry. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry asserted that the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation “must be approved by the central government.” She added that the process involves drawing lots from a golden urn, a practice China claims has been followed since the 18th century but which the Dalai Lama and his followers reject.
Throughout the years, the Dalai Lama has suggested that his successor could be a woman or even someone born outside Tibet, and he has not ruled out the possibility of having no successor at all. Many observers worry there may eventually be rival Dalai Lamas: one appointed by Chinese authorities and another recognised by senior monks loyal to the current Dalai Lama.
Born Lhamo Thondup, the 14th Dalai Lama became the spiritual leader in 1940. He fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet and has since lived in Dharamshala, advocating for Tibetan autonomy.
The Dalai Lama reiterated his commitment to consulting the high Lamas of Tibetan Buddhism and the broader Tibetan community regarding the future of the institution, stating, “I have received messages from Tibetans making the same appeal. The institution of the Dalai Lama must continue for the benefit of all sentient beings.”
He clarified that the process of recognising his reincarnation would rest exclusively with the members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, who would consult various Tibetan Buddhist tradition leaders.
The search for a new Dalai Lama will only begin upon the current leader’s death. Traditionally, the successor is identified through spiritual signs and visions by senior monks, and the process can take several years before the child is groomed to assume leadership.
