
Dalai Lama Issues Statement on Reincarnation Process
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has confirmed that the procedure to determine his successor will go on. He made it clear that solely the Gaden Phodrang Trust could administer the process. This was made public through his official social media handles.
He mentioned a conference that had been convened on September 24, 2011, which was attended by senior Tibetan monks, community leaders, and organizations. He indicated that they all offered their views concerning whether the continuation of the selection of the next Dalai Lama should go on. From his perspective, there was widespread support for continuing the tradition, and there were also reactions from Tibetans within China.
Past Statements and Present Stance
The Dalai Lama said that he had already said in 1969 that the Tibetan people would make a judgment on whether the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue or not. Following recent consultations, he reiterated that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust would decide on his reincarnation. He stressed that no outside agency, including governments, would be entitled to interfere.
He had previously fretted that the tradition of reincarnation would die with him. Today, though, he is convinced that his own reincarnation could occur elsewhere outside Tibet.
China's Position and Efforts in Tibet
China has expressed interest in shaping the Dalai Lama succession. Following its occupation of Tibet in 1950, China made numerous moves to assimilate the region. These included promoting Han Chinese immigration into Tibet and introducing education programs for children to instill Chinese identity.
China is also keen on Tibet's mineral wealth, including coal, copper, chromium, lithium, zinc, lead, and boron.
Panchen Lama and Political Interference
The Panchen Lama had traditionally been involved in choosing the next Dalai Lama. The former Panchen Lama passed away in 1989 under mysterious conditions, which included alleged poisoning. Afterwards, the Chinese government seized control of the boy who was recognized as his replacement. This action was regarded as part of China's effort to determine the future Dalai Lama.
As a reaction, the Dalai Lama has said his next incarnation may take place outside of Tibet, and his spiritual group alone would determine the process.