Amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, the Dalai Lama has reaffirmed that the 600-year-old tradition of reincarnation will continue after his death, setting the stage for a complex succession process with significant implications for the unity of Tibetan Buddhism and the future of Tibet. This announcement directly challenges China's ambition to control the selection of his successor and underscores the importance of Tibetan-led autonomy in the reincarnation process.
The Dalai Lama, who will turn 90 on July 6th, has stated that his reincarnation will be identified through traditional Tibetan Buddhist methods and born outside of China. This declaration is a firm rejection of any candidate chosen for political reasons, especially by the People's Republic of China (PRC). In his book, "Voice for the Voiceless," the Dalai Lama emphasizes that the purpose of reincarnation is to continue the work of its predecessor and the new Dalai Lama will be born in a free world.
China asserts that the reincarnation of Tibetan "living Buddhas" must be approved by the state and comply with Chinese laws, religious rituals, and historical precedents. They claim the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, citing a legacy from imperial times and a selection ritual involving a golden urn dating back to the Qing dynasty. However, the Dalai Lama has dismissed China's involvement, stating that it is inappropriate for Chinese communists, who reject religion, to meddle in the system of reincarnation.
The Dalai Lama's insistence on a Tibetan-led reincarnation is a direct challenge to China's efforts to assert political and ideological control over Tibet. By controlling the reincarnation, China aims to integrate Tibetan Buddhism within the state, diminishing its potential to foster dissent or resistance. This is not a new endeavor, as in 2007, Beijing decreed that the Chinese government would oversee the recognition of all reincarnate Tibetan lamas, including the next Dalai Lama. Furthermore, in 1995, the Chinese government abducted Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the boy recognized by the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama.
The upcoming selection of the next Dalai Lama carries deep geopolitical significance. The United States has consistently expressed support for the religious autonomy of Tibetan Buddhists, asserting that they alone should decide on the next Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Policy and Support Act (TPSA) of 2020 explicitly supports the Dalai Lama's right to determine his own reincarnation and authorizes sanctions on Chinese officials who interfere in the process. India, home to a large Tibetan refugee population, also plays a crucial role in providing sanctuary for a Tibetan-recognized reincarnation.
The Dalai Lama's decision to task his trust of advisors with identifying his successor and to have the Gaden Phodrang Office hold the legitimate authority to decide on this sacred matter, aims to prevent divisions within the Tibetan community. By asserting Tibetan control over the reincarnation process, the Dalai Lama seeks to safeguard the future of Tibetan Buddhism from political manipulation.
Historically, the reincarnations of successive Dalai Lamas have been sought and identified through religious procedures by the Gelug sect monastic community, with government approval. The Dalai Lama's move is an effort to maintain this tradition against China's interference. The system of reincarnation for Living Buddhas has evolved over 700 years, forming a comprehensive set of religious rituals and historical conventions observed by all sects of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama's actions align with these principles, ensuring the continuation of Tibetan Buddhism's unique spiritual heritage.
The Dalai Lama’s announcement that the 600-year-old institution would continue after his death was welcomed with relief by Tibetans. It is a landmark decision for Tibetans and global supporters who see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of non-violence, compassion, and the enduring struggle for Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule.
