Dalai Lama’s bold transfer: Ensuring his successor is beyond China’s control

The Dalai Lama’s succession has lengthy been some extent of competition between Tibetans and China, however his newest assertion has escalated the dispute. In his newly revealed ebook,

Voice for the Voiceless

, the 89-year-old Tibetan religious chief has explicitly acknowledged for the primary time that his successor will probably be born within the “free world”—outdoors of China. This defies Beijing’s longstanding declare that it has the only real proper to decide on the following Dalai Lama.
For China, controlling the Dalai Lama’s succession is about greater than faith—it’s about political authority and sustaining control over Tibet. The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 after a failed rebellion in opposition to Chinese rule, has lengthy been considered a “separatist” by Beijing. With his ninetieth birthday approaching in July, the query of who will succeed him has turn into pressing, because it may decide the way forward for Tibetan Buddhism and Tibet’s political motion. Below, we break down the important thing points surrounding this controversy.
Also learn: ‘Will be born in free world’: Dalai Lama declares successor will probably be born outdoors China; Beijing counters

FAQs

1. Why does the Dalai Lama’s successor matter a lot to China?

China considers the Dalai Lama to be a logo of Tibetan resistance and fears that an impartial successor may gasoline separatist sentiments. By controlling the reincarnation course of, Beijing hopes to put in a Dalai Lama loyal to the Chinese authorities, guaranteeing tighter control over Tibet. The present Dalai Lama, nevertheless, has made it clear that any successor appointed by China won’t be revered by Tibetans:

“Since the purpose of a reincarnation is to carry on the work of the predecessor, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama … will continue.”

2. What is the normal course of for choosing a brand new Dalai Lama?

According to Tibetan Buddhist custom, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated, and his successor is recognized by senior monks via visions, indicators, and exams. Historically, this course of has been free from political interference. However, China insists that it has the ultimate say, citing historic conventions:

“The lineage of the Dalai Lama living Buddha was formed and developed in China’s Tibet, and his religious status and name were also determined by (China’s) central government.”

– Mao Ning, Chinese overseas ministry spokesperson

3. Why does the Dalai Lama say his successor will probably be born outdoors China?

In

Voice for the Voiceless

, the Dalai Lama explains that his successor should be free from Chinese control to proceed his religious and humanitarian mission:

“The new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama … will continue.”

This transfer is supposed to forestall China from appointing a successor who would serve its political pursuits fairly than uphold the religious and cultural values of Tibetan Buddhism.

4. How has China responded to the Dalai Lama’s declare?

Beijing has dismissed the Dalai Lama’s remarks, insisting that it alone has the authority to decide on his successor. The Chinese Foreign Ministry known as him:

“A political exile who has no right to represent the Tibetan people at all.”

They additionally reiterated that the reincarnation should comply with authorities laws:

“The reincarnations of living Buddhas, including the Dalai Lama, should abide by national laws and regulations.”

5. What occurred with the Panchen Lama, and why is it related?

The controversy over the Panchen Lama—a senior determine in Tibetan Buddhism—illustrates China’s strategy to spiritual succession. In 1995, the Dalai Lama recognized a six-year-old boy, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, because the eleventh Panchen Lama. Shortly after, the Chinese authorities kidnapped the kid and appointed its personal Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, who is seen by many Tibetans as illegitimate.
The unique Panchen Lama has not been seen since, with China claiming that he is now dwelling a “normal life.” This fuels fears that Beijing will comply with the identical technique with the following Dalai Lama.

6. What occurs if China appoints its personal Dalai Lama?

If China installs a Dalai Lama of its selecting, Tibetans and the worldwide Buddhist neighborhood are unlikely to simply accept him. This may result in two rival Dalai Lamas—one acknowledged by Tibetans in exile and one other by China. The Dalai Lama himself has warned:

“Any Dalai Lama named by China would not be respected.”

A divided management may deepen the Tibetan resistance in opposition to Chinese rule and additional pressure China’s relations with the worldwide neighborhood.

7. How does this situation have an effect on worldwide relations?

The dispute over the Dalai Lama’s succession has international implications, particularly for China’s relations with India and the US.

“The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be determined solely by Tibetan Buddhists and that Chinese officials who interfere in this process will be sanctioned.”

Beijing has condemned such overseas involvement as an try and destabilize China.

8. What does the Dalai Lama say about Tibet’s future?

In

Voice for the Voiceless

, the Dalai Lama expresses concern over Tibet’s destiny below Chinese rule however stays hopeful:

“The right of the Tibetan people to be the custodians of their own homeland cannot be indefinitely denied.”

He additionally reaffirmed that the wrestle for Tibetan freedom will proceed beyond his lifetime:

“Tibetans have spent nearly 75 years fighting for freedom. Their struggle should continue beyond my lifetime.”

(With inputs from companies)