DHARAMSHALA – As he approaches his 90th birthday, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, announced on July 1 that there will be a 15th reincarnation—his first major public confirmation that the 600-year-old tradition will continue after his death.

Reassuring followers worldwide, he declared that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his official office, holds the sole authority over the matter of his reincarnation—directly countering China’s claim that it will decide who his successor is.

Hours after his remarks, China reiterated its stance: that the reincarnation process must be approved by the Chinese government, take place in China, and follow both religious rituals and state regulations.

Tenzin Lakshey, spokesperson for the Central Tibetan Administration based in McLeodganj, rejected that claim. “The Chinese government is an offender of the faith,” he said.

In a statement marking the start of a three-day Buddhist religious conference in McLeodganj, the Dalai Lama said:

“On September 24, 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.”

“I stated, as far back as 1969, that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue. I also said that when I am about ninety, I would consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and others who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate the matter.”

“Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years, leaders of Tibet’s spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, participants in a special general meeting, the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation, and Buddhists in Asia—including mainland China—have written to me, requesting that the institution continue.”

“In particular, I have received messages from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.”

Turning 90 on July 6, the Dalai Lama also reaffirmed who would oversee the recognition of his reincarnation:

“The process has been clearly laid out in the September 2011 statement. Responsibility rests exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust.”

“They should consult the heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and reliable oath-bound Dharma protectors linked to the Dalai Lama’s lineage. They must carry out the procedures of search and recognition according to past tradition.”

“I reiterate: the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. No one else has any authority to interfere.”

Traditionally, the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is not appointed but recognized through sacred visions, signs, and rituals. Only the Dalai Lama can set the terms for his own succession.

The Dalai Lama is regarded by his followers as the living embodiment of compassion. Around 100,000 Tibetans currently live in exile in India, along with the Tibetan government-in-exile. (with IANS inputs)

with India-West News Desk