India Rejects China’s Claim Over Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation
India has strongly opposed China’s claim that it should approve the next reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that only the Dalai Lama himself has the right to decide his successor. “This decision is spiritual and religious. It cannot be decided by a government,” he added.
Indian Ministers Attend Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday
Kiren Rijiju and JD(U) leader Lallan Singh visited Dharamshala to attend the celebrations of the Lama’s 90th birthday. Rijiju said the event was purely religious and had nothing to do with politics.
Dalai Lama Confirms Reincarnation Tradition Will Continue
The 14th Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since 1959, confirmed that the centuries-old tradition of the Lama will not end with him. In a video message, he stated that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit body he created in 2015, will have the sole authority to choose his successor.
What Is the Gaden Phodrang Trust?
The Gaden Phodrang Trust manages all spiritual and administrative matters related to the Lama. It will consult the senior leaders of Tibetan Buddhism and spiritual protectors to follow proper traditional procedures for selecting the next Dalai Lama.
The Lama also referred to a 2011 statement, which clearly said that only the trust members have the right to carry out the reincarnation process.
China Says Reincarnation Must Follow Its Laws
In contrast, China insists that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must follow Chinese laws. A 2007 Chinese law states that all reincarnations of Tibetan spiritual leaders must be approved by the central government and take place within Chinese territory.
On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning repeated that the selection must follow China’s religious rules and historical practices. She also described the Lama as a “political exile” with no right to represent Tibet.
Tibetan Fear Over Political Interference
Tibetans living in exile are worried that China may try to appoint its own Dalai Lama, which could be used to strengthen control over Tibet. Critics say this would be an attempt to destroy Tibet’s unique culture and religion.
The Lama has previously warned his followers to reject any Dalai Lama chosen by Beijing, and he even suggested that his successor may be born outside of China or could even be a woman.
A Deep Spiritual Process, Not a Political Tool
Traditionally, the search for a new Dalai Lama starts only after the previous one passes away. Monks use visions and spiritual signs to identify the “soul child”—a process that can take years.
The Lama’s latest statement confirmed that he is ready to reincarnate, meaning the spiritual tradition will not end with him.
Strong Statements from Tibetan Leaders and Rights Groups
Penpa Tsering, the president of the Tibetan government-in-exile, said Tibetans around the world have requested the Lama to continue the tradition. He said China has no right to interfere and called its actions politically motivated.
Amnesty International also condemned China’s move. Its China Director, Sarah Brooks, called it a “direct assault on religious freedom” and said Tibetan Buddhists must be allowed to choose their own spiritual leaders without pressure.
Background of the Dalai Lama
The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th in a line that began in 1587. He fled Tibet in 1959, when Chinese forces crushed an uprising in Lhasa, and has lived in India since then. In 2011, he stepped down from all political roles to support a democratic Tibetan government-in-exile.