Dalai Lama urges China to refrain from interfering in the religious succession process

On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama reaffirmed that the esteemed Tibetan Buddhist institution he leads will continue after his passing, dispelling rumors that he may be the last to hold the title. As he prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate emphasized that the selection of his successor should remain free from Chinese interference, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding Tibetans’ cultural and religious rights under Chinese governance. During his remarks, the 14th Dalai Lama, currently living in exile in India after fleeing Tibet nearly 70 years ago, stressed the authority of the Gaden Phodrang Trust in recognizing future reincarnations of the Dalai Lama, declaring that no other entity has the right to intervene in this process. Following his statement, a spokesperson for the Chinese government asserted that any succession must adhere to legal protocols set by Beijing.

The Dalai Lama’s comments came just days prior to his 90th birthday, marked by a conference of Tibetan Buddhism representatives in Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile. It is uncommon for a living Dalai Lama to discuss succession, as the search for a successor only officially commences after death. Nonetheless, with his advancing age, many worry that a leadership void could be exploited by the Chinese government. Thupten Jinpa, the Dalai Lama’s long-time English translator, remarked that the Dalai Lama likely felt the need to assure his followers that he is contemplating succession.

In a recent book, he mentioned that his successor would ideally be born in the “free world,” outside China, to ensure the ongoing mission of the Dalai Lama. Concerns persist that China could attempt to name its own Dalai Lama, paralleling previous actions, such as the recognition of the Panchen Lama, whose legitimate identification was disregarded by the Chinese authorities. The Tibetan government-in-exile remains resolute in its stance against Beijing’s influence, knowing that if they do not select a new Dalai Lama, an imposed choice by the Chinese government could have significant implications for Tibetan identity and autonomy.