Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation Plans Raise Questions About Chinese Influence and Religious Implications
The Dalai Lama announced that the centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue after his death, stating that the next Dalai Lama should be found and recognized through traditional Buddhist practices. He indicated that China should not interfere with the selection process, a stance likely to be met with opposition from Beijing, which claims the right to approve the next religious leader. This decision holds significant political weight for Tibetans, who oppose China’s control over Tibet and see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of their identity. It is expected that China will appoint its own Dalai Lama, which could lead to two rival figures.
John Q. Hosedrinker