The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has asserted that the 600-year-old institution will continue after his death and will independently choose his future reincarnation, thus excluding China's role in appointing the 15th Dalai Lama. On Wednesday, an official statement from the 14th Dalai Lama declared that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Dalai Lama's office, will solely decide on the recognition of the 15th reincarnation.
The Tibetan spiritual leader stated, "The process for recognizing a future Dalai Lama is clearly outlined in the September 24, 2011 statement, emphasizing that this responsibility lies solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust members of the Dalai Lama's office."
'No One Has the Right to Intervene...'
The Dalai Lama further declared, "They must consult with prominent figures of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and trustworthy oath-bound Dharma protectors, who are inseparably linked with the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. Accordingly, they must complete the processes of search and recognition as per the previous tradition. I reiterate that Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the exclusive authority to recognize future reincarnations. No one else has the right to interfere in this matter."
Days before the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on July 6, this statement will influence his millions of Buddhist followers worldwide. It sends a clear message to Beijing, which has endeavored to consolidate its grip on the region by trying to control Tibetan religious traditions.
In 1959, following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Lhasa, the Dalai Lama fled to India, where he has lived in exile alongside thousands of Tibetans. While China labels him a separatist and rebel, he remains a global icon of non-violence, compassion, and the Tibetan struggle to preserve their identity.
