The North News
Dharamshala, July 2
The 14th Dalai Lama on Wednesday said that the decision on his reincarnation will rest solely with a foundation appointed by him, emphatically stating that China will have no role whatsoever in appointing the 15th Dalai Lama. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Tibetan spiritual leader referred to his 2011 proclamation, made during a meeting with heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, affirming the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution and detailing the process of identifying his successor.
The Dalai Lama noted that as early as 1969, he had made it clear that the future of his reincarnation would be decided by concerned followers. “When I am about ninety, I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people… to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue,” he recalled.
He added that in the past 14 years, spiritual leaders, Tibetan parliamentarians, exiled administration members, NGOs, and Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, and even mainland China have urged him to ensure the continuation of the institution. These appeals, he said, influenced his decision to formally affirm the process of succession.
Reaffirming the 2011 guidelines, he said that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, would be solely responsible for identifying the next Dalai Lama. The trust is expected to consult heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and Dharma Protectors closely linked to the Dalai Lama lineage. The process will follow historical precedent, the statement confirmed.
“I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” the Dalai Lama said. The statement appears to be a direct response to China’s repeated assertions that it will name the next Dalai Lama — a move Tibetan leaders and rights groups say amounts to religious interference.
