In light of the Dalai Lama's recent statement regarding his succession, the Indian government, through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has clarified its position of neutrality on matters of religious belief and practice. This stance underscores India's commitment to religious freedom, a principle that has been conveyed to the Chinese side. The Dalai Lama's declaration, made ahead of his 90th birthday, asserts that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, established by him, will have the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation, a move seen by some as a direct challenge to China's claim over the succession.
The Dalai Lama's announcement counters China's insistence that it holds the authority to approve the next Dalai Lama, with the reincarnation to be found in China's Tibetan areas. China's Foreign Ministry has reiterated that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must adhere to the principles of domestic search within China and requires approval from the central government. This position is based on the claim that the process must follow religious rituals, historical customs, and national laws and regulations.
This divergence in views sets the stage for a potential conflict, with many observers suggesting the possibility of two rival Dalai Lamas: one appointed by Beijing and another by senior monks loyal to the current Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama has urged his followers to reject any successor chosen by Beijing.
The succession of the Dalai Lama carries significant political implications for Tibetans, many of whom oppose China's control over Tibet and strive to maintain their cultural identity. The Dalai Lama's decision to have a successor is also deeply meaningful for Tibetan Buddhists, who revere him as the living embodiment of Chenrezig, the Buddhist deity of compassion.
China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and aims to bring Tibetan Buddhism under its control. Gama Cedain, a Communist Party official in Tibet, stated that the discovery of the next Dalai Lama will be carried out by the Chinese government. He asserted that the central government has the "indisputable final say" in the reincarnation and that the reincarnation has never been decided by the Dalai Lama himself.
Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan writer and activist, described the Dalai Lama's announcement as a "punch in the face" for China. Thupten Ngodup, a spiritual advisor to the Dalai Lama, noted that discussions about a successor during the current leader's lifetime are unusual but have been prompted by Chinese government interference.
Historically, the Dalai Lamas have sometimes been born outside of Tibet. The current Dalai Lama has suggested that his successor could be born in India and has also mentioned the possibility of the tradition ending with him or his successor being a woman.
Amnesty International has criticized China's interference in Tibetan religious practices, calling it a direct assault on the right to freedom of religion or belief. Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International's China Director, stated that Tibetan Buddhists must be able to choose their spiritual leaders without coercion or interference.
The United States has also taken a firm stance, with the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 committing Washington to sanctioning Chinese officials who interfere in the Dalai Lama's succession, treating it as a violation of religious freedom.
The Dalai Lama's succession plan and China's response have far-reaching implications for the future of Tibetan Buddhism and the relationship between Tibet, China, India, and the international community.
