The Dalai Lama has declared his intention to appoint a successor following his death, reaffirming an age-old tradition vital to Tibet’s identity amid ongoing tensions with the Chinese Communist Party over the future of Tibet. This announcement was made in a video message to Tibetan religious leaders in Dharamshala, India—where he has resided since fleeing Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
In his message, the Dalai Lama confirmed, “I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,” responding to numerous requests from Tibetans for this assurance. He stressed that the authority to recognise his reincarnation rests solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the formal organisation of the Dalai Lama’s office, urging adherence to traditional procedures for identifying his successor without disclosing specific details about the process.
The timing of this declaration, just days before the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, sets the stage for potential conflict over his succession, particularly as the Chinese government asserts that it alone holds the rights to approve the next Dalai Lama. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated this stance, reaffirming that the search for the reincarnation must align with Chinese laws and be sanctioned by the central government.
Previous comments from the Dalai Lama indicate that he believes his successor will emerge in the “free world,” advising followers to reject any candidates appointed by Beijing. This scenario raises the possibility of competing claimants to the title of Dalai Lama—one endorsed by the current Dalai Lama and another by the Chinese Communist Party.
Dr Ruth Gamble, a Tibetan history expert, noted that both the Tibetan exile community and the Chinese government are keen on influencing Tibet’s future, with the next Dalai Lama seen as a pivotal figure. Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior official in the Dalai Lama’s office, mentioned that further details regarding the reincarnation procedures would remain undisclosed until his passing.
The Dalai Lama’s 14th incarnation has long been a symbol of Tibetan resistance against Chinese control, advocating for “meaningful autonomy” while aiming to preserve Tibetan cultural and religious identity. His nonviolent approach to advocacy has garnered international support and led to his Nobel Peace Prize award in 1989.
Beijing’s attempts to interfere with the reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism further complicate the narrative, particularly after its installation of a state-approved Panchen Lama, undermining the Dalai Lama’s influence. The Tibetan Buddhist leaders in Dharamshala vehemently condemned China’s political exploitation of the reincarnation doctrine, asserting they will never accept any candidate imposed by the Chinese government, which they view as incompatible with religious beliefs.
In his memoir, the Dalai Lama reflects on the inappropriateness of a government which formally dismisses religion attempting to control the sacred process of reincarnation, fortifying his stance against Chinese interference.