Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh :

Before his 90th birthday, Tibetan spiritual leader 14th Dalai Lama has given such a historic and decisive statement, which has shocked China and shown the direction to Tibetan Buddhist followers around the world. He has clearly declared that the institution of Dalai Lama will continue even after his death and only the India-based “Gaden Phodrang Trust” will have the right to recognize his reincarnation. This declaration has made it clear that China will not be allowed to interfere in this process.

Dalai Lama’s big announcement: China has no right in the search for successor, rebirth will happen abroad

Kullu: The 14th Dalai Lama, the supreme spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has issued a historic statement ahead of his 90th birthday. He clarified that the institution of the Dalai Lama will survive even after his death and the exclusive right to identify his successor will rest only with the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust. The announcement has created a stir in the global Buddhist community, especially for China, which the Dalai Lama has categorically denied any interference in the process.

In his statement shared on social media, the Dalai Lama said, “No external party has any right to interfere in this matter.” He stressed that the process of search and recognition of his successor will be in accordance with traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices, in which the Gaden Phodrang Trust and the office of the Dalai Lama will have paramount role.

 “China has no right”: Dalai Lama’s blunt answer

The Dalai Lama said in a video message and then through a written statement on social media,

“No one else has any right to interfere in this matter.” He also reiterated that the future Dalai Lama will be chosen through a traditional Buddhist process and the process will be conducted by the Gaden Phodrang Trust – not by any government or outside force.

Reincarnation plan: Will take new birth abroad

Talking about his successor, the Dalai Lama indicated that he could be reborn in India or some other foreign land. This is a big message, especially for China, which has long been staking its claim to be the successor of the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama said, “When I turn 90, I will consult the heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan people and my followers spread all over the world and decide whether to continue my institution or not.”

 Gaden Phodrang Trust gets special rights

The statement clarified that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, which is the official institution of the Dalai Lama in India, will have the right to identify the new incarnation of the Dalai Lama. This process will be done completely under the guidance of traditional Buddhist principles and Dharma-protectors (Dharmapalas).

“The members of the trust will consult the heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and trusted Dharma protectors from the tradition of previous Dalai Lamas,” – said the Dalai Lama.

Appeals from around the world: ‘Please continue the institution’

The Dalai Lama said that he has received letters and messages from Buddhist followers living within Tibet, India, Mongolia, Russia, Nepal, Bhutan and even China. Everyone has urged him not to end the institution of the Dalai Lama, but to keep it alive in the future.

He said:

“I have received messages from various channels from my brothers and sisters living within Tibet, who have requested that this institution continue.”

Future of the institution of the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama also mentioned an incident in 1969 in his statement, when he raised the question whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue in the future. At that time he had said that this decision has to be taken by the Tibetan people and the Buddhist community. After this, this issue was also discussed in a meeting with Tibetan spiritual leaders in 2011.

Now, approaching his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama said that it is time to take a final decision on this issue. He said, “I decided to consult the major lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan people, and others who practice Buddhism.” In the process he received letters and messages from Buddhists in the Himalayan region, Mongolia, the Buddhist republics of Russia, and even mainland China, all appealing for the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama. Tibetans living in Tibet in particular made this request through various means.

Taking into account all these appeals, the Dalai Lama confirmed that his institution will continue in the future. He reiterated, “The Gaden Phodrang Trust is the only legitimate body to recognize my successor.”

Support from Central Tibetan Administration too

The Dharamsala-based Tibetan government-in-exile (CTA) has also welcomed the Dalai Lama’s decision.

CTA chief Penpa Tsering (Sikyong) and vice-president Dolma Tsering have also indicated that the Dalai Lama may make his successor plan public in the coming time.

 Public opinion: Should the institution of the Dalai Lama continue?

After this big decision of the Dalai Lama, public opinion is also coming to the fore. In a survey, most Tibetans and Buddhist followers around the world said that:

“Yes, this institution is the soul of Tibetan Buddhism, it should continue.”  Some people also believe that the institution should be closed, so that the respect for the Dalai Lama ends with him

 India’s role will remain important

This decision of the Dalai Lama also holds a special significance for India.

India has not only been home to Tibetan refugees for decades, but the activities and institution of the Dalai Lama have also been given a safe place in McLeodganj (Dharamsala).

Now that he has again made it clear that the process of reincarnation will happen only through an India-based trust, India’s role becomes even more important.

90th birthday will be celebrated on July 6, successor may be announced

The 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama is on July 6, and a grand celebration has been planned in Dharamsala on this occasion.

In the presence of the Central Tibetan Administration and other international representatives, it is also possible that the Dalai Lama will reveal the plan related to his successor or his identity.

 China’s response: Sign of confrontation

China is feeling uncomfortable with this statement of the Dalai Lama. China has long been claiming that it has the right to play a role in the recognition of the next Dalai Lama.

China has been saying that “reincarnation should be approved by the state“, but the stand taken by the Dalai Lama today has made it clear that he completely rejects China’s interference.

Public opinion

This announcement of the Dalai Lama has given rise to a new debate. Should his institution continue indefinitely? Some believe that it is necessary for the continuity of Tibetan Buddhism, while others are in favor of ending it with the current Dalai Lama.

With this historic announcement, the Dalai Lama has not only given a clear direction to his followers but also underlined the autonomy of Tibetan Buddhist traditions on the global stage.

  Religion, tradition and the fight for freedom

This statement of the Dalai Lama is not just a declaration of a religious leader, but it is a message to protect Tibetan culture, tradition and autonomy.

It is his clear warning to China that government interference in the internal religious processes of Tibetan Buddhism will not be accepted.

Now that the eyes of the whole world are fixed on the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama, it will be interesting to see whether he announces the name of his successor or only outlines the future towards reincarnation.

The Dalai Lama’s message has become a symbol of hope, self-reliance, and preservation of the Dharma for Tibetan Buddhists.

No matter where he is reborn, his teachings, institution, and influence will live on for generations to come.

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