Head of Tibetan government in exile: Without preconditions from China and based on his health, Dalai Lama would be open to visiting Tibet

Head of Tibetan government in exile: Without preconditions from China and based on his health, Dalai Lama would be open to visiting Tibet

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is set to celebrate his 90th birthday this July, marking a significant milestone in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. His succession, however, remains a contentious issue, with potential implications for global relations, particularly between China, India, and the United States.

The Dalai Lama has stated that the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lamas will happen under “some kind of a framework,” raising questions about the future of the leadership and the political dynamics surrounding it [1]. The current Dalai Lama, who was born in 1935, has indicated that he would consult the Tibetan High Lamas and the Tibetan people to re-evaluate whether the institution should continue when he turns 90. His 90th birthday is on Sunday, July 6 [1].

The selection of the next Dalai Lama is significant for several reasons. Historically, the reincarnation process has involved identifying the new leader’s belongings as proof of remembering his past life. However, the current Dalai Lama has suggested that the process could be voluntary or based on karma, merit, and prayers [1]. This has raised concerns about China's potential influence over the selection process, given its history of meddling in Tibetan Buddhist affairs [1].

China has sought to extend its control over Tibetan Buddhism, describing the Dalai Lama as a “wolf in monk’s clothes” and attempting to choose its own pro-Beijing Dalai Lama. The Chinese government announced Gyaltsen Norbu as the Panchen Lama in 1995, after the Dalai Lama chose Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the Panchen Lama. The then six-year-old boy soon went missing, and there have been allegations that the Chinese government played a role in his abduction [1].

The Dalai Lama has stated that his successor will be born in the “free world,” meaning outside China, and has urged his followers to reject anyone chosen by Beijing. This stance has led to tensions with China, which maintains that it has the right to choose the next Dalai Lama and has declared that the Dalai Lama is a political exile with no right to represent the Tibetan people [2].

The leadership transition will also be important for India, the home of the Central Tibetan Administration, and the United States, which has positioned Tibet as a key issue in its relations with China. Last year, US lawmakers passed the Tibet Dispute Act, with then President Joe Biden stating that his administration would continue to call on China to resume direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to seek a settlement on Tibet [1].

The Dalai Lama's aims have shifted from independence for Tibet to greater autonomy for Tibet within China. He has stated that it would be inappropriate for the Chinese government to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, including that of the Dalai Lama. He has also indicated that the next Dalai Lama would be born in the free world [1].

The coming week holds significance as the Dalai Lama is expected to make a crucial announcement about his succession at an international conference of Buddhist leaders in India. The event could provoke strong reactions from China, which claims control over this religious process [2].

References:
[1] https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/dalai-lama-90th-birthday-tibet-china-india-significance-10097949/
[2] https://spotmedia.ro/en/news/news/dalai-lama-announces-who-could-be-his-successor-and-provokes-chinas-anger