New Delhi: The Dalai Lama, the revered spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has reaffirmed that his successor will emerge from the “free world,” a term he used to indicate regions beyond China’s influence, according to reports by Radio Free Asia (RFA).
China, however, has insisted that the selection of the next Dalai Lama must align with its legal framework, asserting its control over Tibetan Buddhism and rejecting any process that occurs outside its jurisdiction, RFA reported.
Historical and Political Context
Tibetan tradition holds that the Dalai Lama is reincarnated after death, with senior monks identifying the child who is his successor. The current Dalai Lama, who was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the age of two, has previously suggested that he may be the last in the lineage of spiritual leaders.
Tensions between China and Tibet escalated after China took control of Tibet in 1950. Following a failed uprising against Mao Zedong’s Communist regime in 1959, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled to India, along with thousands of Tibetan refugees, at the age of 23.
China maintains that it has the authority to appoint the Dalai Lama’s successor and has labeled him a “separatist.” However, the 89-year-old leader has firmly stated that any successor chosen by Chinese authorities will not be recognized by Tibetans or the global Buddhist community.
The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Succession
In an address cited by RFA, the Dalai Lama declared, “The purpose of reincarnation is to continue the work of the predecessor. The next Dalai Lama will be born in the free world to ensure the continuation of Tibetan Buddhism’s traditional mission—to be a voice for universal compassion and the spiritual aspirations of the Tibetan people.”
He also mentioned that for more than a decade, he has received appeals from Tibetans urging him to ensure the continuation of the Dalai Lama lineage.
Ongoing Struggles and Chinese Policies
The Dalai Lama has been vocal about the struggles faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule. He emphasized that the “repressive Communist Chinese rule” remains a challenge in Tibet and asserted that the Tibetan cause would persist “no matter what” after his passing.
Reports from human rights organizations and media outlets indicate that China continues to enforce strict surveillance, policies of forced assimilation, and crackdowns on expressions of Tibetan cultural and religious identity.
The question of the Dalai Lama’s succession remains a significant point of contention between Tibetans and the Chinese government, with far-reaching implications for the future of Tibetan Buddhism and the region’s political landscape.
