Dalai Lama Confirms Succession Plans Amidst Political Tensions with China
The Dalai Lama outlines his succession plan, emphasizing traditional practices and rejecting Chinese interference, ensuring the future of Tibetan Buddhism.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- The Dalai Lama will select his successor according to traditional Buddhist practices, emphasizing the continuation of Tibetan Buddhism.
- He asserts that the next Dalai Lama will be recognized outside of China, challenging Beijing's authority over the process.
- Concerns arise over potential rival claimants to the title from factions loyal to China and the current Dalai Lama.
- The search for the reincarnation will commence only after the Dalai Lama's death, despite fears of interference from China.
- This succession plan is politically significant for Tibetans, reinforcing their identity and opposition to Chinese control over Tibet.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Dalai Lama's statements as pivotal in the context of Tibetan identity and autonomy, emphasizing the tension with China. They highlight the significance of traditional practices in recognizing his successor while implicitly supporting Tibetan perspectives against Chinese authority, reflecting a nuanced bias towards Tibetan self-determination.
"The Dalai Lama assured his followers on Wednesday that upon his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and spelt out a succession process that sets up a renewed clash with China."
USA TODAY"The Dalai Lama laid out his succession plan in a recorded statement that was televised at a religious gathering of Buddhist monks in Dharamshala."
CBS News"The Dalai Lama said on Wednesday that the ancient Tibetan Buddhist institution he leads will live on after he dies, putting an end to speculation that he would be the last person to hold the role as he plans to reincarnate."
NBC News"the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue"
ABC News"The Dalai Lama laid out his succession plan in a recorded statement that was televised at a religious gathering of Buddhist monks in Dharamshala."
Associated PressArticles (12)
Center (5)
FAQ
The Dalai Lama plans to select his successor through traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices involving senior monastic disciples who identify spiritual signs and visions to locate the reincarnation.
The Dalai Lama rejects China's claim because Tibetan Buddhists insist that the recognition of the next Dalai Lama must be done according to traditional religious customs, independently of Chinese political interference, to preserve Tibetan Buddhism's authenticity and identity.
There is concern that factions loyal to China may appoint a rival Dalai Lama, potentially undermining the legitimacy of the true successor and creating political and religious conflict within Tibetan Buddhism.
The search for the next Dalai Lama will begin only after the current Dalai Lama's death, following traditional procedures despite worries about possible interference from China.
The succession plan reinforces Tibetan identity and resistance to Chinese control over Tibet by ensuring that Tibetan Buddhists retain authority over the recognition of the Dalai Lama, a central figure in their religious and cultural heritage.
History
- 2M
9 articles